Bluefield Daily Telegraph, Bluefield, WV

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July 10, 2009

Ridge Runner on track for new downtown home

By CHARLES OWENS

BLUEFIELD — The old Ridge Runner is on the move again.

The bright red miniature train that was once a popular tourist attraction on East River Mountain will soon be relocated to the site of the old brownstone in Bluefield.

“We fired it up and pulled it out today,” City Manager Andy Merriman said. “We are getting it moved from the park to the freight station, and from there it will be moved to the brownstone site as part of this big display we’ve got planned.”

Merriman said the city is hoping to develop a railroad-theme display and park at the old brownstone site as part of a plan being financed through a recent Coal Heritage grant award. The city also is hoping to place kiosks with information about the railroad industry at the site, along with a public park.

“This is all part of that project,” Merriman said. “It (the Ridge Runner) is an asset. It’s a part of our history. And right now there is nothing at the brownstone site. We just want to make it a nice little urban park.”

The old train was later moved to Lotito Park in the mid 1980s. However, it hasn’t been used for years.

Merriman said the Ridge Runner has been stored at a location away from public view for many years.

“It’s currently hidden away from the public,” Merriman said of the old train. “It hasn’t been used for years and years.”

While he stopped short of calling the park and the Ridge Runner a permanent addition at the old Brownstone site, Merriman said it makes sense to develop a railroad-themed park at the site.

“Absolutely,” Merriman said. “ I think it is a very appropriate use of the area and the train,” Merriman said.

If a new business were to decide to relocate at the old brownstone site, Merriman said the city would reconsider the train and park setting.

— Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com

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