HUTCHINSON, KAN. -- GE Engine No. 2, one of only three such engines ever built, returns to its home at the Kansas Underground Salt Museum today. Built in 1919, the train ran along a short railway line that provided switching services for the Carey Evaporation Plant and Salt Mine.

The train currently sits at the Reno County Museum in downtown Hutchinson. Crews began preparation to move the train yesterday and will return today at 1:30 p.m. to transport it to the Kansas Underground Salt Museum. The 60,000 pound locomotive is expected to arrive at the salt museum around 3 p.m.

“The train is a significant artifact that represents the history of the mine. We’re delighted we’re able to display it at the underground salt museum,” said Linda Schmitt, executive director of the Reno County Historical Society. “Seeing it at its rightful home is exciting, especially to the many train aficionados in the area.”

A rail bed of rocks is in place for the train and plans are to landscape the area around the train and include benches for visitors, as well as display information about the exhibit.