The iconic Indian Hill monument on the Candlewood Valley Scenic Railway was toppled Monday by Sandy’s winds. The monument has stood since before tracks were laid and was both a destination and inspiration for railroaders in the Candlewood Valley. Dave’s Big Indian Cigar Store was constructed to honor the monument and the people for which it stands. This all came crashing down late Monday when debris hurled by Sandy’s winds toppled him.
Railroad management has promised to erect the proud statue once again, but first they have pledged to restore him to his former glory. to do so required transporting the two story statue back to the C.V.S.Ry. shops where restoration will take place over the winter. The C.V.S.Ry.'s newly acquired Brownhoist Wrecking Crane and tender was pressed into service for the first time to assist in the effort.
The C.V.S.Ry. was assisted by McHuge Brothers Riggers who carefully moved the monument from it’s resting place to a location near the tracks where it could be picked by the wreck train. McHuge Brothers uses proprietary equipment and methods and would not allow photography of that portion of the move. We were, however, able to get these shots of the wreck train making the pick…
Once the statue was in place on the flats, the wreck train proceeded West to the shops. We caught up with it briefly again at Coal Dump Curve…
Plans are to reattach the arm that has been missing for several years, repair the headdress feathers broken off in this incident, and build a new base. There is talk of painting the monument in realistic colors rather than the basic black it has been for years. This remains to be seen. Here at the C.V.S.Ry. we are looking forward to having the guardian of Indian Hill Junction standing tall and proud again soon.
