Corsicana Daily Sun, Corsicana, Texas

Latest News

Related Photos

Discussion

November 14, 2008

End of the line

Years late and over budget, Interurban Railcar No. 305 is back

By Janet Jacobs

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

Text Only
Latest News
  • 2-8 Council2.jpg Council hears from shelter supporters

    An item not even on the agenda drew the most attention and most time at Tuesday’ Corsicana City Council meeting, as supporters of a new animal shelter spoke out during a public forum time.

    February 7, 2012 2 Photos

  • 2-8 lady welder flamingo.jpg ‘That lady welder’

    Diane Billingsley first fell in love with metal working as a 7-year-old when her parents took her to see a blacksmith’s shop.

    February 7, 2012 2 Photos

  • Job Fair opens doors

    Job seekers of all ages and experience levels will want to attend the Navarro County Job Fair slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at Navarro College.

    February 7, 2012

  • P&Z tackles wells

    Drilling within 600 feet of a subdivision will be the topic of both an open and closed meeting of the Navarro County Lake Planning and Zoning Commission, scheduled to meet in regular session at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Navarro County Courthouse.

    February 7, 2012

  • Local Beat for 2/8/12

    A listing of meetings and events of interest throughout Navarro County.

    February 7, 2012

  • 2-8 council1.jpg Shelter supporters speak out

    Supporters of a public vote on a bond to pay for a new animal shelter in Corsicana turned out in numbers Tuesday to speak at the Corsicana City Council meeting.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • Corsicana Government Center Dance hall appeal before council

    The Corsicana City Council will hear an appeal  of a denied dance hall permit application when it meets in regular session at 6 p.m. Tuesday.
    Council members are scheduled to meet in a work session at 5 p.m. Tuesday in the Government Center conference room, before the regular agenda meeting starting at 6 p.m.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • austinforweb.jpg Texas primary date in doubt after deal talks stall

    Texas is all but certain to have an even later say in choosing the Republican presidential nominee after what at first looked like a breakthrough deal in a bitter dispute over redistricting maps ended with wide rejection of the proposal.

    February 7, 2012 1 Photo

  • 2-7 CISD Kids.jpg CISD quartet out to win cuisine competition

    They’ve been at it for months.
    Just enough of this, just enough of that, cooked “just so.”
    For four teens from Corsicana High School, Tuesday holds a special thrill for them as they compete in the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association’s  ProStart Culinary Competition at Arlington Convention Center.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

  • 2-7 Gander Deer.jpg Gander Mountain now home to small deer population

    When Gander Mountain opened in August of 2004, it did so with an outdoor ATV track, giving potential buyers an avenue, of sorts, to test models out. The last several years, that patch of grass has been barren.
    Not anymore.

    February 6, 2012 1 Photo

Community Calendar
Loading…
Events by eviesays.com
AP Video
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House' Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate' Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
Twitter Updates
Follow me on Twitter