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You are here: Home / Mesa Light Rail / Saving A Train – Will Old Meet New?

Saving A Train – Will Old Meet New?

May 18, 2011 by Nick Bastian 1 Comment

Before we know it, the METRO light rail line will extend further east into Mesa, stopping just short of Pioneer Park. Many people that ride the current system have probably never been to or even heard of Pioneer Park. When I was a little kid, a LONG time ago, I can recall going to Pioneer Park and playing on the big old train. Back in those days, we could climb all over it, get inside and pretend to be the conductor, play cops and robbers, cowboys and indians, etc., etc. Now days, the train is blocked off and kids are not allowed to do these things. Heck, I get it… We put a LOT of wear and tear on that old train.

Check out this video of the old Southern Pacific Engine 2355 at Pioneer Park from “back in tha’ day”.

Unfortunately, the train has seen better days. Vandals, the elements, and father time have done a number on the Southern Pacific Engine #2355. A group of people want to help restore the old train to once again be a shining example of years gone by. The rich history of the train will take a lot of people coming together and stepping up in many way$.

I believe there have been talks of bringing the train towards the front of the park near Apache Blvd once it is restored. At that point, people riding the METRO light rail line along Apache would be able to see it much easier. I know people would enjoy seeing and learning more about the history of the area and about the transportation systems. Kind of an “old meets new” feeling for transportation geeks. In order to restore the train and to move it from the back of the park out closer to Main Street where many more people will be able to see it, people from the community have been trying to Save The Train from further deterioration. There is a golf tournament scheduled for this weekend to raise funds and awareness.

Pioneer Park - Save the train!

The Mesa light rail extension is scheduled for 2016. It will be interesting to see if this old train is still around to welcome it’s new guests to the area.

Filed Under: Mesa Light Rail Tagged With: Mesa Light Rail, Metro Light Rail, Rail Life, Southern Pacific, Trains

About Nick Bastian

Nick Bastian is a 29 year veteran of the real estate industry and can be reached at 602-803-6425. You'll also find him sharing real estate info on his web site and hanging out onTwitter.
Family man, lover of life, maker of friends. A bit of a geek, long time Tempe real estate guy just havin' some fun. What's your story?

Comments

  1. Scoutmagazine says

    November 1, 2012 at 6:51 pm

    We used to play all the time on SP 2355 as kids. The jet in the park is long gon now. Hope the train gets to stay. The sad part is the fence around it. At one time it was safe out in the open. Not sure why people get thrills out of destroing stuff.

    Reply

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