Interurban railcar No. 305 is back in Corsicana, returned from a 5-year odyssey in Alabama, where it was only partially restored.
The car was returned because the company contracted to do the restoration work wasn’t making progress, according to city officials.
On Friday, the car and its wheels were was carried into town on flatbed trailers. The wheels, or trucks, were placed on the short set of tracks next to the Visitors Center, then two cranes were brought in to lift it gently onto the wheels.
The entire process took about half a day, and attracted plenty of interested residents.
Ron Maxfield, who helped the city acquire the car back in 2002, was on hand throughout the process, as was Stephen Andrews, precinct 3 councilman, who’s followed the train’s progress closely.
“It’s about time this gets taken care of,” Andrews said as he watched the railcar easing into place. “It’s about four and a half years late. But the good news is that we’ve got our car back.”
The next step is to assess the work to be done, and develop a plan of action, Andrews said.
Helping with the project are volunteers Ron Maxfield and John J. Meyers, who helped on the restoration of a similar railcar in Plano.
“We’ve got about 40 volunteers from the college, and many businesses who want to help,” Andrews said.
Skilled workers will be needed, particularly metal fabricators, carpenters, upholsterers, and painters, Maxfield said.
While volunteers complete the railcar, city workers will be constructing the protective awning just north of where the railcar is currently sitting in its white plastic wrapping.
—————
Janet Jacobs may be reached via e-mail at jacobs@corsicanadailysun.com
Latest News
End of the line
Years late and over budget, Interurban Railcar No. 305 is back
- Latest News
-
-
County gathers to honor military heroes who gave their all
As the courthouse clock tower rang 11 times, Navarro County gathered at the courthouse square to pay tribute Monday.
-
Former Mildred school leader passes
Doug Lane, who was superintendent of schools at Mildred Independent School District for 24 years until retiring in 2011, died Sunday at a hospital in Tyler. He was 70 years old.
-
Navarro College to debut success program
Navarro College has embarked on a new program to help ensure student success in the college experience.
College trustees were briefed on the “First Year Experience” program at the board’s monthly meeting Thursday. -
Local Beat 5/28/12
A list of meetings and events of interest from throughout Navarro County
-
Sample Ballots, Polling Places for May 29 Election
Click this link to get sample ballots for the May 29 Primary Election
Early voting
Early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays Monday thru Friday May 14 through May 18, and May 21 through May 25, 2012, in the basement of the Navarro County Courthouse, 300 W. Third Ave., Corsicana.
Early voting will be held on the weekend from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday May 19, and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, in the basement of the Navarro County Courthouse, 300 W. Third Ave., Corsicana. -
Memorial Day ceremony honors servicemen, women
Navarro County turned out in numbers Monday to honor those who made the ultimate sacrafice in service to the U.S. military.
-
One killed, five hurt in Interstate rollover
One man was killed and five others injured Sunday when a Ford Expedition rolled several times and jumped a cable barrier on Interstate 45 south of Corsicana.
-
Memorial Day services Monday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Monday is Memorial Day, and Corsicana will host two separate ceremonies to honor those who gave their lives in service to our country.
-
Downtown's 'The Diner' to close its doors Thursday
The Diner, in downtown Corsicana, will close its doors after the close of business Thursday, owner Richard Arnett said Sunday.
-
Commissioners to meet Tuesday
The Navarro County Commissioners Court is scheduled to meet in special session at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 29, in the county courtroom of the Navarro County Courthouse.
The meeting was moved from Monday, May 28, due to the Memorial Day holiday. - More Latest News Headlines
-

