Gainesville's Engine 209, shaping up

GAINESVILLE - The renovation of Gainesville's vintage steam locomotive engine, Engine 209 is chugging right along according to a report to City Council Thursday.

City Councilman Bob Hamrick said the work on the old locomotive,said to be the last operating rail steam engine in Georgia, should be finished by March, weather permitting.

"We're looking into getting a historical marker, hopefully that we can erect there," Hamrick said.

"The rehab project is going extremely well, all of the asbestos has been removed and they're working to make a new jacket for the engine itself and and they're doing some work inside."

The caboose and baggage car, also part of the railroad exhibit, will be fully restored.

According to restoration contractor Dave Lathrop Engine 209 was built in 1930 and pulled freight on the Gainesville/Midland line until 1959.