The Pullman Depot Heritage Center is initiating a significant restoration project for two historic rail cars located at its downtown facility on N. Grand Avenue. This initiative involves the restoration of a 1946 Northern Pacific day coach and a 1978 Burlington Northern caboose, both of which have been part of the heritage center since 2018.

Local contractor Dan Thayer has been selected to undertake the repair and painting of the rail cars, ensuring that historically accurate logos and insignia are used. The estimated timeline for the completion of this work is between 120 to 160 days.

The overall cost of the project is projected to be $225,000, with $95,000 already secured through grants from the Amherst Rail Society and the National Railway Historical Society. Officials at the heritage center emphasize the importance of community financial support to successfully complete the restoration, which is dedicated in memory of local business owner and train enthusiast Ken Vogel.

“Visitors are always excited to see the trains. Many younger folks have never seen one before,” stated Jamie Whitman, chair of the Education & Events Committee.

This rail car restoration is part of broader ongoing improvements at the heritage center, which has successfully raised over $2 million in recent years for various building restoration projects, including masonry, windows, and roofing.

For further details or to make a donation, visit pullmandepot.org.