There was a halt over winter, but work will soon get started again on the Elko train restoration.
The Paint the Train project, which began in May 2012, involves a lot more than a simple paint job. The Sunrise Rotary Club has taken on the responsibility of restoring a 1950s-era train that sits beside Highway 3/95, opposite the Cranbrook arches.
So far, metal panels on the train have been replaced, the exterior has been sandblasted, and the train has been primed for painting.
All that's left is some minor welding, the replacement of broken glass in the windows, and final paint work and lettering.
The project is likely to be completed by mid-July 2013.
While Sunrise Rotary members have done a lot of the grunt work, said Rotary member Frank Vanden Broek, local businesses have made significant donations to the project.
"Riemann Painting have been doing all the sandblasting, priming and painting, all at their own cost. It's the equivalent of tens of thousands of dollars," said Vanden Broek.
"Sandor Rentals donated the equipment rental, especially for the sandblasting, also in the tens of thousands.
"Fab Rite Services have donated a lot of work at cost," he said, adding that its work included welding, stripping the old panels and putting in the new ones.
College of the Rockies welding instructor Tim Ross also donated time to help with the welding.
"Club members did a whole bunch of the grunt work," said Vanden Broek. "We had numerous work parties during the summer with club members."
Financial contributions have been made by the Downtown Business Association, Columbia Basin Trust through the Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance, Hryciuk Gallinger Accountants, and Community Futures.
On Tuesday, March 19, BC Hydro helped see the project through to completion with a $2,000 grant.
"We want to get it done and completed, but we are still looking for donations," said Vanden Broek.
To contribute to the Paint the Train campaign, please contact Frank Vanden Broek at 250-421-1523.