Vandals Damage Pennsylvania Streetcar Collection

Intruders broke into a shop building last week in Wendber, Pennsylvania, and vandalized a private collection of streetcars.

The vandals sprayed graffiti on the walls of the former coal company building, smashed windows and lights on the streetcars, spray-painted seats, and damaged an automobile.

The collection is owned by Ed Metka, who has been collecting the streetcars and other artifacts since the 1980s.

He has provided parts from his collection to some operators of the vintage equipment.

Police reports indicated that the intruders caused more than $50,000 in damage.

Some of the streetcars dated to the early 1900s. Police said they are following a few leads in their investigation but urged anyone with information about the break-in to contact them.

Vandals Damage Indianapolis Model Train Club Layout

Vandals broke into the building housing the model railroad layout of an Indianapolis club and used fire extinguishers to damage the property.

The Naptown & White River Model Railroad Club reported that no items were reported missing from the club headquarters, but its layout room “looked like it had been transformed into a winter wonderland.”

The club said it is working with its insurance providers and a restoration company to restore the layout room to its previous condition.

The vandals sprayed two fire extinguishers over the layout.

The club said it has temporarily prohibited visitors from its headquarters until the restoration and cleaning has been completed.

It said the layout will look new once the cleanup and restoration is completed.

In the meantime, the club said it will still hold the Indianapolis Model Railroad Train Show on March 7 at Manual High School between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Vandals Hit Detroit Streetcars

Vandals recently struck Detroit’s new streetcar system, finding their way through a gated area and spray painting graffiti on one of the QLine streetcars.

Police are investigating the incident involving the 3.3-mile system that is slated to open this spring. The streetcar that was vandalized were built by Brookville Equipment Corporation.

Vandalism Suspected in NS Yard Derailment

 

Police believe that switch tampering is to blame for a derailment at a Norfolk Southern yard in Battle Creek, Mich., late Thursday.

The derailment occurred at about 9 p.m. at the Hinman Yard and caused an estimated $100,000 in damage. There were no injuries or hazardous materials involved. The yard is near a Kellogg cereal plant.

Railroad employees reported seeing a man run away and drive off in a full-size red pickup truck with a utility trailer loaded with lawn mowers after they spotted him in the yard. The man is suspected of having thrown a switch in the yard, causing the derailment.