June 17, 2003

The Caboose Finally Arrives!



The caboose was in transit for several weeks until it reached Colleyville. The caboose, which was supposed to arrive on June 16, was delayed when there was a derailment in Oklahoma. The cranes, used to transport the caboose from the train tracks to its resting spot in Bransford Park, were needed for the Oklahoma accident.

A 1974 restored caboose was delivered today, June 17, 2003, to Bransford Park.

 Burlington Northern Santa Fe donated the caboose to the city after it was restored by Gunderson Southwest located in Cleburne. Gunderson restored both the interior and the exterior. The restoration was an involved and timely process, taking several months. Colleyville resident. Darla Dennison, played an essential role in coordinating the project.

 When the caboose arrived in Colleyville, great care and preparation was taken in its relocation into the park. Two cranes had to simultaneously lift and maneuver the caboose off the tracks and onto a short track that was laid down in the park for the caboose to sit on.  

 The caboose will permanently reside in the Bransford Park near the historic Webb House.  There will be a dedication ceremony this summer to recognize the project that took nearly two years of planning and coordinating.

Click on photos to enlarge: