Rare Virginian R.R. steam engine bell stolen,need help to locate ,this is not a joke.

Trains Magazine General Discussion
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Hey guys and gals.This isn’t a joke but my Uncle in Victoria Va. needs info on finding a very rare bell that was stolen from his front yard.The bell is off a steam engine that the Va. RR only had 19 of.The class of loco. I’m not sure about,but it is listed in The Gunniess Book of World Records as being the largest steam loco in the U.S. ever built.He got the bell when the Virginian was scrapping those class of steamers out in Victoria.It’s really sad it was stolen because it’s more than likely the only thing left from one of those 19 engines other than photos and memories.The bell was used for some type of dedication at the Va. transportation museum a couple of years ago,and may be mounted to a stand.It is a very large brass bell.If anyone knows any info,please contact me by email,or be sure the bell is returned,no questions asked.My uncle retired from the Norfolk Southern with 43 years in transportation,having worked as brakeman and conductor for the Virginian, Norfolk & Western and finally the Norfolk Southern.My Granddad and Great Granddad also worked for the Virginian in Victoria before the big strike in 1922.So Virginian items mean alot to the family.PLEASE HELP IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ! My email is mackb4@alltel.net . Remember NO questions asked,Harry just wants the bell returned safe [:(].Thanks so much for reading.Collin

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Hope ya get it back.
I’d be worried it may have been nicked by someone who saw it as half a hundredweight of valuable brass to be melted down and weighed in, rather than as a rare artifact…

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I think HUgh has it right, what a shame. Tears ago in Memphis, the I C mhad stored about thirty to fourty steam engines on the old Levee Line out of Johnson Yard, some folks went in and had one cut almost up, It IC switch crew went in to pull some out and one engine literally disentegrated when the pulling started… You might check all the scrap yards in your area, that is probably where the bell will show up…Offer a reward and put out descriptions of the bell and see what happens. Good Luck.
Sam

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mackb4:

If you can provide some identifying marks, or a photo, it would be real help for us who want to help you.

Good luck.