Ohio scenic train wrecked by thieves

WATERVILLE, Ohio (AP) — Thieves have ruined a scenic train’s plan to get back on track this summer.

Operators of the Toledo, Lake Erie & Western Railway discovered last weekend that nearly $75,000 worth of seating and engine parts had been stolen from the organization’s Blue Bird passenger train. It was to resume its 15-mile pleasure runs in northwest Ohio this summer after 3,000 railroad ties were replaced. The train did not have a 2010 operating season.

Railroad volunteers told The Blade of Toledo on Tuesday that the thefts seem like sabotage. About a third of the train’s seat bottoms were taken; the railway’s president doubts they have much market value.

The newspaper reports the train has drawn complaints in the past about noise, traffic and litter along its route.