Railroad Brick Memorial  Restoration of Wrecking Derrick  Laying Track to Move Derrick
Every single one of the approximately 500 bricks that make up the Railroad Depot Museum Brick Memorial was laid by hand, most likely by a member of the Railroad Retirees Club. From the time the first brick was bought in January of 2005, to the time the first brick was laid in the spring of 2007, the project quickly turned from a fundraising idea into a tribute to honor the people who worked for the Illinois Central Railroad. Stop by the Railroad Depot and see the Brick Memorial -- it is really quite a sight to see people looking to find the names of a family member or old friend memorialized on a brick. You may still purchase bricks by clicking on the order form on this website. Click the link above for more pictures of the Brick Memorial. A Name Locator will soon be added to this website for your convenience.  Wrecking Derricks of this type were once used for cleaning up after train derailments, but they are no longer used. This valuable addition to the Museum's collection was made possible through the efforts of Raymond Kyzar and the McComb City Board. A dedicated crew of volunteers has worked steadily to repair the diesel engine and restore the wrecker so that it can make the journey from the south end of the train yard to be permanently docked adjacent to the locomotive and railcars that are part of the permanent outdoor exhibit at the McComb Railroad Depot Museum. The task of restoring the wrecking derrick is only half of the story. In order to move the derrick to its new home, approximately 500 feet of track had to be laid -- the old fashioned way, by old-fashioned railroad men. Additionally, a large drainage ditch had to be crossed. These problems might have been enough to deter faint-hearted volunteers, but not the stalwarts who show up to keep the wheels turning and the show on track at the Railroad Museum. Click on the link for more pictures that give a better idea of the true scope of their task and the grit of these dedicated volunteers hard at work.