The train engine returned to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum on January 17th! Although it went underground in 3 hoist trips and multiple pieces, the conversion from gas-powered to electric was finally complete. After some reassembly, it was successfully set on the rails and ties originally used in the 1950's by the Carey Salt Company and was modified to it's current gauge of 16 by the the KUSM "Track Team." 

Other than a day of hard labor donated by some members of the Leadership Reno County 2010 Class, the back-breaking and challenging work to retrieve, modify, and lay rails and ties was accomplished by a small but passionate Track Team headed by Dave Unruh, KUSM Maintenance Supervisor, and including weekly assistance by Joel Busch, Travis Haneke and an inmate from the Hutchinson Correctional Facility. Board member Jerry Wray has provided valuable contacts, ideas and custom fabricated parts to help in the construction process.  

Although we have not officially measured the length of the train loop, Dave estimates it to be about 2000 feet long.  The two ends met on December 30 after about 10 months of effort.  In the beginning, the Track Team could lay about 60 feet of track a day.  The LRC volunteers laid 205 feet in one day, plus cut enough ties for another 200 feet.  Their help was a huge morale boost for the Track Team, who was wondering if they would ever see the "light at the end of the tunnel" 

There is still a lot to do before we can share this unique ride with visitors.  Testing, adjusting, leveling, ballasting, lighting, fire protection, communication, creating a loading platform and determining a schedule are just a few areas we will be working on in the next month or so.  But when we announce that the train route is open, believe me, you won't want to miss this ride!

-Gayle Ferrell

Director of Operations