The Caboose in Damascus is a very visible symbol of the railroad origins of the VCT. It sits astride the trail in Damascus Town Park and is greets trail riders, pedestrians, and motorists on Hwy 58 as they enter town.

Unfortunately, the caboose had become weathered and faded to a cloudy pink color. Club members, along with sixth grade students from Asheville's Evergreen Community Charter School recently repainted the caboose, using a special paint, and restored it to its brilliant red color.

The club had hoped to protect the paint job by constructing a cover, similar to the one over the engine at the Abingdon trailhead. A funding solution was identified and the club would have have provided the volunteer labor. However, the Damascus Town Council declined the offer, citing their concern that a cover would detract from being able to really see the caboose. I was disappointed by their decision to not preserve such an important landmark, particularly when the opportunity to do so with no cost to the town may not come along again.

In other caboose news, Abingdon has announced that it has received a caboose that will be placed at Depot Square, on the Creeper Trail Extension. No word on whether they will cover it.