The Western Development Museum (WDM) is pleased to announce that it has replaced the bell for the Vulcan Steam Locomotive, which will be a big part of the forthcoming season.
The WDM was forced to replace the bell after the original bell was stolen from the property last summer. The museum says the Vulcan’s secure compound was accessed and the brackets were removed, and the bell stolen from atop the engine. Despite appeals to the public, the bell was not found.
However, Kathy Fitton, general manager at the Western Development Museum, says the bell has been replaced with another one, just in time for the WDM’s busy spring/summer season.
It was installed on the Vulcan Steam Locomotive a week ago.
“We managed to replace the bell recently. One was located by our engineer and restoration manager who is based out of our corporate office. The bell needed a little restorative work but that was able to be done and it was then installed unto the Vulcan Steam Locomotive within the last week,” Fitton said.
Fitton says the bell is an important aspect of its operations and the museum is thrilled to have found one for the Vulcan Steam Locomotive.
“It was important to us to replace the bell because of a variety of reasons. It’s part of the engine for its looks and experience but also essential for our safety. We have a bell on the locomotive because it has to be rung as it approaches and leaves the station, so it was important that we had that replaced for this year’s operating season.”
The Vulcan Steam Locomotive should have its first run of the season during the long weekend in May.
“We are so pleased to have the new bell! We would like to thank everyone for their support and their interest,” Fitton said.
