Rector's railroad history recognized

Workers help guide the restored switch engine into place near the Downtown Park [Click to enlarge]

Recognition of Rector's railroad history was enhanced this week by the placement of a restored old switch engine near the original location of the community's depot.

The switch engine was donated by American Railcar Industries, which had been using it at the company's Marmaduke plant.

Plant manager Jack Pipkin, who lives near Rector, said he wanted to do something for the community and he contacted mayor Ron Kemp about the donation.

He then put the mayor in contact with ARI employee Ivan Hill of Paragould, who specializes in restoration of vehicles and machinery. Hill presented the mayor and city council a drawing of what he planned to do with the switch engine.

The council approved the project and Hill went to work. His completed effort is now on display near the Cotton Belt track adjacent to Rector Downtown Park.

Hill's goal was to make the switch engine, which had been used to move railcars at the Marmaduke plant, look as much as possible like an old locomotive. He added a smokestack, simulated rivets and a "cowcatcher" on the front. "Rector, Established 1882" is on either side of the cab in stainless steel. Lights on the engine are in operable condition and eventually will be connected to electricity.

The engine required extensive sheet metal work and was painted black (from its original blue) with red, yellow and orange trim. Even the diesel engine itself was cleaned and painted by Hill.

He also restored the cab area of the engine by repairing the seat and wooden floor, while painting various levers and controls.

A Cotton Belt crew put together a track for the engine and city employees leveled prepared the base with chat and larger rocks. The engine was moved from Marmaduke to Rector by a crew from Fry International in Piggott, working in cooperation with Pipkin and city superintendent Todd Watson.

A safety barrier will be constructed around the engine and some landscaping will be added.

Mayor Kemp is researching old photographs and records and it is hoped that, at some point, a replica of the old depot (smaller than the original) can be added to the site. "I think it would be great to have a museum at the location, detailing the importance of the railroad to the history of Rector," Kemp said.

Some photographs indicate the office area of the depot was torn down for the lumber. The large baggage room is still in place after being moved to the Rector elevator area on the opposite side of the tracks.

"I think Ivan Hill did a remarkable job in his restoration efforts and the result will be something of interest to our community, especially children," Kemp said. "We thank ARI for making this donation and hope it is the first step in developing a railroad display that details a vital part of our history."