BOONE, Iowa—It took until Wednesday evening, but heavy-haulers were finally able to move the first two part of the Boone Rotary Club’s Welcome Train project.  Loading the passenger car began over the noon hour on Wednesday.  The under carriage was removed for the trip.  The coal tender was loaded late Wednesday afternoon and both began moving after 6:00 p.m.  The trip slowed for the tender as Boone Public Works and Parks personnel were removing low hanging branches on Story Street.  The tender was also much higher that the passenger car and had to weave through some of the traffic signals an avoid some lower utility lines across the street.

The enormous 2-8-0 steam locomotive was also prepared for moving, and is currently expected to depart the Boone and Scenic Valley Railroad at 9:00 Thursday morning.  Because of it’s weight and height it’s expected to take a little longer.

Passenger car passes through the intersection at 6th and Story on Wednesday evening.

Coal tender weaves through the traffic signals at 1st and Story on Wednesday evening.