Ghost Train

12' X 10' X 200'
powder-coated steel, optical elements
3/03
public commission

New River Trial State Park; near Pulaski, Va.

Ghost Train consists of five sign-like pieces and two telescopes placed at 25' intervals along the trail which runs through the New River Trail State Park. As park visitors pass by they see abstract shapes in the signs. When they stop to look through the telescopes they see the silhouette of a locomotive from one end and the silhouette of a caboose from the other end. The trail was made from an abandoned railroad.

View 1

View 2--through blue telescope

View 3

View 4--through yellow telescope

View 5--detail showing salamander incorporated into design

View 6--detail

Directions:
--From I-81, take exit 92 (Draper)
--Follow the signs to the New River Trail State Park (bear right at the school; total distance to parking area: about 1 mile)
--From the parking area, walk or bike 2 miles Northwest along the trail (back toward I-81)
--The sculpture is just past the picnic area near mile post 4

You can also access it from the Pulaski exit, but this is the simplest way.

Can you help with the upkeep of Ghost Train?
Unlike most of my outdoor sculptures, Ghost Train has required some regular maintenance--cleaning the telescope lenses, replacing desiccant to prevent fogging, fixing scratched paint, etc.  Unfortunately, the park has no money for these repairs.  I have made several trips to Virginia to perform maintenance at my own expense.  The gas alone is about $60 per trip, to say nothing of my time.  If you can contribute $5 or $10 toward the next repair, I will thank you right here (let me know if you don't want me to post your name).

Thanks to:

???

I plan to make a trip 4/15/10 and would welcome contributions toward that trip!

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