Santa Won’t Ride the FC Choo Choo Train This Year
A deteriorated choo-choo that was once a symbol of the holiday season in Ford City won’t be running this year. Last winter, it was towed to the garage for major repairs. While it is mechanically repaired, there are cosmetic renovations that must be made in order for it to once again be put in service. (photo submitted by Paul Klukan)
by David Croyle
On November 28, 1975, Santa arrived by helicopter near the Armory at the corner of Third Avenue and 10th Street in Ford City. From there, he was escorted downtown in the brand new Ford City Express. Throughout the holiday season, the Ford City Express ran each evening, giving free rides and candy to children.
It has been years since the Ford City choo-choo train has been in operation during events in the Borough.
Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership founder Paul Klukan said that while the train has been mechanically repaired, there are more cosmetic renovations that must be completed in order to return the train to service.
Klukan said the committee was hoping to have the train ready for the 2013 Fantasy of Lights holiday event on November 30, but that it looks like the first train run will be made with the Easter Bunny next year.
Klukan also told Ford City Borough Council, which actually holds title to the vehicle, that it has not been inspected since 1980 – just five years after it made its debut in Ford City’s premiere holiday event. The Vehicle Identification Number lists the vehicle as a 1987 GMC pickup truck, which, Klukan said, is grossly inaccurate. Klukan wants to obtain a reconstructed title to the vehicle, but Council was unclear whether the train would be titled in the name of the Borough again, or if the Renaissance Committee would take ownership and provide the necessary insurance.
Although the Renaissance Committee has provided all the funding to restore the vehicle, Council would not grant issue of the title to the Committee.
Persons interested in donating to the restoration of the choo-choo can send contributions to: FCRCP Inc, Post Office Box 124, Ford City 16226.
By jorn jensen, October 16, 2013 @ 6:54 AM
No comments?
By steve, October 17, 2013 @ 1:57 PM
Apparently Jorn would like to talk about this? haha
By using logic, one can assume that a lack of comments under an article here means that there are…. in fact no comments.
On to the next case, Sherlock.
By createawareness, October 18, 2013 @ 8:06 AM
Unfortunately, politics always seem to get in the way of progress…This group has devoted much time, effort, and their own monies in trying to make positive things happen in the community. And, they share an admirable work ethic. Good news, though—heard from a reliable source that the “title” “is being transferred” to this organization.
By sickofpayingforit, October 20, 2013 @ 11:06 PM
Well Jorn, sounds like another clear-cut case of “thank-the-lawyers…….”
Obviously the town has to protect it’s interests, however ridiculous or petty they may seem. There are plenty of lawyers who will take a case of a runaway parade train, that wasn’t properly inspected/registered, that ran over someone’s foot and broke a toenail. Plenty of ‘em out there that would take that case, especially since it is tax payer money, and almost guaranteed! Welcome to the new American Dream, 2013 style……..
By jorn jensen, October 21, 2013 @ 7:39 AM
Well steve, you sure added a lot of value to this.
Thanks createawareness and sickofpayingforit for your input. There are plenty of folks out there that will throw a wet blanket on things and then there are some, as createawareness states, “This group has devoted much time, effort, and their own monies in trying to make positive things happen in the community. And, they share an admirable work ethic.”
Thank you Paul Klukan, and your group, for your efforts. They are appreciated.
By createawareness, October 21, 2013 @ 11:42 AM
No Taxpayer Dollars are being used by this organization in the restoration process of this unique piece of history originally created by some great gentlemen. To date, all new parts have been funded through their model train display donations as well as through private donations. The Renaissance committee also plans to fund the necessary insurance leaving the borough with no responsibility, as this group does with the actual building and mounting of all of the new Christmas lighting displays.
By steve, October 22, 2013 @ 10:51 AM
Sorry Jorn- I must have missed the post where you stated you were writing a check…… or donating your time….
By steve, October 25, 2013 @ 9:04 AM
A bead of sweat must have appeared on Jorn’s brow when I asked about him donating money or time!