The miniature Burgerville train that was often seen in local parades was recently stolen from its private owner. It was recovered, but it had extensive damage. COURTESY GRETCHEN GANDARA

The miniature Burgerville train that was often seen in local parades was recently stolen from its private owner. It was recovered, but it had extensive damage.
COURTESY GRETCHEN GANDARA

When Gretchen Gandara thinks about the little train she and her husband have taken to so many events for the enjoyment of community children, she still has a hard time imagining who would want to steal it, let alone damage it so severely. Once a promotional item for a local Burgerville, the train and the utility trailer in which it was towed and stored was stolen from the parking lot of Faithful Savior Ministries on Sept. 5, where it was waiting for its next event. The little train has been popular at various community events at places like churches and school carnivals. It was a feature in the Maywood Park Fourth of July Parade last summer.

Gandara wasn’t sure whether the focus of the theft was the trailer or the train, but with its recent discovery at Atomic Auto Body Shop by the shop’s owner, clearly the thief wanted to dismantle it.

Before the theft, the train and trailer were waiting to participate in yet another community activity. The Gandaras had to use a motor home to transport it, so the thief needed access to a vehicle able to tow a significant amount of weight.

Gandara expressed appreciation of all who were involved in the train’s recovery, including the police, the auto body shop’s owner and broadcast journalists who covered the story.

The Burgerville Corporation had the train built for promotional purposes in Vancouver, Washington, but they decided it was not successful and it was warehoused for 20 years until an interested party purchased it. Gandara bought it in 2013, and her husband fixed it up. The couple has taken it to events all over the region, bringing pleasure to children and adults alike.

After the theft, Gandara considered going door to door asking neighbors of the church if they might have seen anything, but she was advised to leave such efforts to law enforcement. She did searches online looking for people who might have seen the train and trailer—or people who might have attempted to sell it.

When Lonny Gandara went to reclaim the train, he discovered that it had sustained extensive damage. He found several of its parts in a dumpster. Gretchen put up a GoFundMe page online and was delighted and grateful for the community and neighborhood response. She says they have raised enough money to do the repairs. Lonny got the motor running, but the Gandaras need someone with carpentry and metalworking skills and experience to help with other repairs.

Among local businesses that have assisted with materials at cost or discount for repair efforts are Parr Lumber, Miller Paint and Curtis Trailers, the latter discounting security items.

Gandara is grateful for all the help she’s gotten from the community, and she promises that any money left over will go to an appropriate charity. She says they hope to have their train repaired and ready for the next round of school carnivals in the spring.