Flagstaff staff and preservation commission weigh options to preserve historic “2 Spot” logging train

City staff updated the Beautification Arts & Sciences Commission on the history, past treatments and current condition of the historic logging locomotive known locally as “2 Spot,” which is in the city’s collection and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Corey, the city’s beautification collections and public‑art project administrator, told the commission the train was built in 1911, served the local lumber industry, and entered the city’s collection after a 1995 purchase funded by local residents. He summarized previous conservation work, including lead‑paint abatement and repainting projects in 1999, 2003 and 2009, and noted remaining hazardous materials such as asbestos in some components that staff recommend leaving undisturbed.

The discussion focused on three community suggestions: replacing decayed logs in the log carrier, removing or altering the painted roster numeral to reflect the “2 Spot” nickname, and reproducing water bags at the cab window to illustrate the origin story. Commissioners and preservationists raised structural and historical concerns about each option. ‘‘There isn’t a possible issue with the weight of the logs, burdening the structural integrity of the train over time,’’ staff said, and several commissioners recommended a structural assessment before adding heavier elements.

Lauren Clementino, the city’s senior designer and heritage preservation officer, described the train’s municipal acquisition and the community effort to keep the locomotive in Flagstaff. She and preservation commissioners advised against permanently altering paintwork that was part of earlier restoration efforts; they suggested interpretive signage or temporary, event‑only displays as ways to illustrate the water‑bag story without risking damage. The preservation commission’s takeaway, as relayed by staff, was to accept replacing the decayed logs in a way that minimizes weight and future structural impact while retaining the restored ‘‘25’’ roster number and using signage or event‑mounted props to interpret the nickname.

No formal vote was taken on specific treatments; staff were asked to pursue further research, a structural/weight assessment for the log carrier, and to consult the preservation commission’s resources before returning with a recommendation.