BOONE, Iowa—The final piece of equipment for the Boone Rotary’s Centennial Project, the Boone Welcome Train, made the trip to it’s new home Thursday morning.  Beginning at 9:00, the enormous 2-8-0 steam engine, pulled by Berghorst and Son, Inc. a heavy hauler from Hull, Iowa, took a trip from the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad to it’s new home on the northeast corner of U.S. Highway 30 and South Story Street in Boone.  The locomotive, tender and passenger car will be a landmark entry to the community.  Later this summer, “Welcome to Boone” will be painted on the tender.  The locomotive will also receive it’s final paint and seal coat, which was delayed until after the move.

Moving to the new location is only the first phase of the Rotary’s project.  The Rotary is currently raising funds to add a walkway around the train, lighting, landscaping, visitor information and donor recognition.  Additional information on supporting the project is available at boonerotary.com.  Donors wishing to contribute can mail a tax deductible donation to Rotary Welcome Train, P.O. Box 532, Boone, IA  50036.

The Welcome Train locomotive moving south on Story Street in Boone, crossing the Union Pacific’s rail crossing Thursday morning.