Locomotive gets new paint at Railroad Park
RED BAY — The 1923 steam locomotive at the Railroad Park is getting a new paint job as work on a concrete pad, lighting and other features continues.
Red Bay Museum Curator Scotty Kennedy said the locomotive was painted in Pennsylvania before it was brought to Red Bay, but the surface was not properly prepared before it was painted.
Joshua Lackey, owner- operator of Three B Painting in Talladega, said his crew began preparing the locomotive for repainting earlier this month.
The work included washing and scraping the locomotive, removing old grease and paint, sanding and removing rust.
“It’s been a tough task,” Lackey said.
Lackey said he has painted trains in 37 states and has worked for several museums across Alabama. His crew on the Red Bay project includes his stepfather and his son, Joshua Lackey Jr.
The crew has put in numerous hours on the locomotive, Lackey said, and the work is progressing as scheduled.
Mayor Mike Shewbart said Bob Tiffin, who purchased the locomotive and paid to have it restored and transported to Red Bay, is also paying for the new paint job.
“I appreciate those that have donated to establish the Railroad Park,” Shewbart said. “The Civitan Club has done a good job getting the park ready for the public.”
Kennedy said funding for the park has come from the City of Red Bay, Red Bay Museum, businesses, private donors and grant funding.
Railroad Park is cosponsored by the Red Bay Museum and City of Red Bay with the Civitan Club also involved in overseeing the park.
Work is also progressing elsewhere in the park.
Kennedy said concrete has been poured, and workers have started staining it. They will return to finish the work and apply a sealer before brick pavers are installed in sections of the park.
The bricks were salvaged from the old canning plant building that was located at the Red Bay school. Kennedy said the building, which he estimates was built in the 1930s, was used through the years as a band room and classroom space fand later as the snack room.
He said plans also call for low-maintenance landscaping with trees and shrubs, including two bay trees in recognition of the city’s name.
Several pieces of railroad equipment will be added once other work is complete. They include a railroad switch original to Red Bay, a telegraph pole with glass insulators, and railroad signal equipment.
The telegraph pole is currently beside the railroad and will be moved to the park, Kennedy said.
Underground wiring for lighting has already been installed. Kennedy said the above-ground lighting can be added after work on the concrete and brick pavers is complete.
Interpretive signs are also planned to explain the history of the railroad equipment and other items on display.
There is no firm completion date for the park. Kennedy said the timing depends on when the remaining work is completed.
