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Normal Railroad

Normal Railroad
One of the most iconic images associated with Western Michigan University is the trolley that carried students and faculty up and down Prospect Hill from 1908 to 1949. Four engineering students gave the trolley replica a much-needed update this spring.

Sitting in front of the Bernhard Center since 2000, the replica was built from materials that couldn’t handle the harsh and unpredictable Michigan weather. Unfortunately, the trolley was deteriorating and nearing disrepair.

Brandon Laure, Joe Keifer, Andrew Pinder and Nick Johnson, under the direction of Fred Sitkins, re-engineered the trolley with the intent to preserve what the students before them had built. They used a variety of materials and processes to ensure that the trolley would last well into the future.

It has yet to be decided where the revitalized trolley will be placed, but Sitkins is hopeful it will find a home on East Campus. 

To learn more, please follow the links below:

WMU NEWS – WMU’S ICONIC TROLLEY CAR REPLICA UNDERGOING REPAIRS

KALAMAZOO GAZETTE – TROLLEY REVIVAL