Indiana zoo's long-time train to get new paint, restoration

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (AP) - A northern Indiana zoo is sending its long-time train in for a paint job and restoration.

The Columbian Park Zoo Express' train engine and three cars are expected to be back in place at the Lafayette zoo this summer following the $30,000 project to repaint them and restore worn parts.

The train has been a fixture since 1968 at the zoo, where it's carted children, parents and other riders around for more than a half-century. It's being spruced up thanks to a partnership between DeFouw Automotive, the Lafayette Parks Foundation, J&T Recovery and the city of Lafayette.

Zoo officials said the train's repainting is expected to be completed this spring but it will be out of commission until June, the Journal & Courier reported. The project is being funded through the Lafayette Parks Foundation.

Parks Superintendent Claudine Laufman said the train will be painted with a color palette that's as close as possible to the original train's colors.

'œThis train has been part of virtually every family's visit to Columbian Park, so I think it's a wonderful thing to know that this summer we'll be able to provide that opportunity again for families in Greater Lafayette,'ť Laufman said.