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The Project This project began fairly simple (back then it didn't look simple): have the asbestos removed, patch the holes, paint it and move it about 100 feet to the south towards the Halliburton Derrick. [marked: Current Park Plan proposed 905 site] One of the desired results of this restoration was to have a locomotive that both adults & kids, would enjoy looking at.......a locomotive that all could touch, go up into the cab and touch the controls. The site, just 100 ft south of its previous 53 year's, had two major flaws: |
At that time, the City of Duncan had plans to shut down a part of the north-south road through the park, take up the asphalt and plant grass.
Our group asked for and got a City Council Resolution allowing us to move the locomotive onto that part of the road that was being shut down. [marked: Requested new 905 site]
The project quickly evolved.....................
The restored locomotive will be displayed on a 150 ft. x 50 ft. fenced
pad located just east of the current museum on the road that runs from
Oak to Beech through Fuqua Park.
A Rock Island caboose will be acquired later and all three, locomotive, tender and caboose will be covered with a canopy to help mitigate the effects of weather. A full size replica of the original 1890s Duncan Depot will be built and used as an education center.
This is the original Duncan Train Station which will be replicated in the Fuqua Park Display. It was build in 1892 and burned down in 1949.
When not staffed, the display will be a static display of the Duncan Railroad Depot with the 905 pulled up alongside facing North. It can be viewed from the sidewalk around the entire outside perimeter and at night it will be illuminated. When staffed, visitors will be allowed entry into the locomotive cab and tender and eventually the caboose. Visitors will be able to move the controls and learn about steam locomotion.
The entire display area will be informative and educational in a nostalgic setting. It will promote Duncan, our early Duncan history and the symbiotic relationship with the Rock Island Railroad.
There is room for a passenger car between the water column and the fence.