This unusual car is part of our series highlighting the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation’s Places in Peril. In our case, it’s some of our equipment, not the museum. The Trust’s program encourages community and corporate investment, education, restoration, and historic preservation.
We’ve plenty to preserve and seek your support.
Just “the other day,” we noticed a visitor walking the line and closely inspecting this contraption. Built in 1926 by the O.F. Jordan Company, JX635, a “Jordan Spreader” was used to shape ballast and clear snow. The big plows, wings, and blades of the car were operated by air, supplied by a locomotive, to build banks, clear or carve ditches, evenly spread ballast, and even trim brush on embankments along the track.
It’s been suffering in the elements for decades.
“Spreader #JX635 was ordered in 1926 by Mr. Alex MacDougald. It was was shipped to him on November 8th of that year and initially cost $10,500. MacDougald Construction Co. operated a growing business based in the Atlanta area. The company was involved in road grading and construction, dock-work, and had a number of railroad contracts.” (HMdb.org)
We’re seeking corporate or foundation support to stabilize and eventually cosmetically restore this 99-year-old educational tool! You can touch it, photograph it, and marvel at the details, but can you imagine the impact of a shiny (not a railroad term) working demonstration tool?
We invite you to participate with us as we prepare the museum for generations to come. For information on how your gift, your company, or foundation sponsorship can help, please write: execdirector at train-museum dot com