Couple's fascination with trains comes to life

FINLEY POINT — The train kept a rollin,' from Arlee to Finley Point.

Trains have always had a certain mystique for some people, and Mondell and Cristina Metz will be able to enjoy their own rail yard after buying two cabooses and having them moved to their Finley Point property.

The two recently acquired a 1978 Burlington Northern caboose, which was delivered last week, and have plans to have another one transported to their property soon, after answering an ad in the Lake County Leader a couple of weeks ago.

The caboose came from Arlee and, according to Cristina, it was quite the endeavor to transport. In order for their property to accommodate it, the Metzes had to have their road widened and some landscaping was done to create a flat were the two cabooses will sit with a large deck between the two.

A crane dropped the 17.5 ton caboose on train tracks with railroad ties under them — part of the Metzes' goal to make the caboose as authentic as possible. The cabooses will be used as rental cabins following some minor renovations.

The project doesn't end there. The Metzes have a train depot theme planned where park benches, brick walkways and street lamps will surround the proximity. Even a miniature train will make rounds around their property.

"We want this to be a railroad experience," she said.

Most train enthusiasts only dream of purchasing cabooses for their property. For Mondell, this undertaking is a testament to his love of trains. Since he was a child, Mondell has been fascinated with railroad travel and tracks have taken him all over the U.S., he said.

"It's an adventure," he said.

The caboose was being sold for about $15,000, but Cristina didn't pay the asking price.

"I'm not going to tell you what I bought it for," she said. "Let's just say I don't like paying retail."

Both cabooses will be renovated and will very livable, she explained. The brakeman's seat will be converted into a twin bed and with other alterations, several more beds, a desk and plumbing will make for comfortable living quarters. Plus the caboose sits on a hill overlooking Flathead Lake.

However, that is where the modifications end. The interior, with its tubing, knobs and rivets will all be left in order to preserve its unique characteristics.

"It is a romantic notion," she said.