Mesa Arizona residents don't want to see their historic train go

Mesa, Arizona – A public committee has been set up to raise money from private sources to keep a historic train in its present spot at Pioneer Park.

The Southern Pacific steam locomotive No. 2355 in Pioneer Park has been a landmark for residents of Mesa for almost 50 years. Residents recall fond memories of climbing the train and playing horseshoes at a pit next to it.

The locomotive hasn’t been operated in decades and has deteriorated due to the lack of maintenance. In the early 1990s, the train was enclosed behind an iron fence for liability reasons. Asbestos was found in the train’s boiler and cab which has yet to be removed.

On Monday, the city will begin an $11,000 project to remove the asbestos for the safety of the public that visits the park.

However, unless the committee can raise the estimated $350,000 to restore the train to its former glory, the city plans to sell the beloved locomotive to the highest bidder. The committee has 60 days beginning February 20 to raise $10,000 to demonstrate to city officials that the public indeed wants to keep the train in its current location behind the basketball courts and horseshoe pits.

Offers for the antique train have already come in from several sources. A California-based company wishes to restore the engine and allow visitors to a railroad museum to be able to ride it. Two other museums in California and Arizona have also offered to purchase it.

When residents heard about the deals, there was a public outcry to find a way to keep the Southern Pacific.

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