Bernard Eiserloh created a sculpture commemorating the railroad and its impact on this region, and the Landrum City Council voted unanimously on Jan. 14 to allow his piece to grace the newly renovated historic depot.

“It will need to be sandblasted and powder coated because it’s been sitting outside,” city administrator Caitlin Martin informed the council. “The estimate we received for sandblasting and powder coating was $350 to $550.”

The sculpture incorporates railroad tracks and a car, and it stands six and half feet tall and 10 feet in diameter.

The council discussed placement and possible slight alterations to the piece. Billy Inman, council member, suggested that a train car might be more alluring than a car on the tracks of the sculpture.

The council discussed putting gravel beneath the sculpture, which originally stood at the depot in Tryon.

Jon Matheis, council member, suggested that funds for upkeep might be available through the Tryon Garden Club, because the club indicated interest in supporting a piece of art for the depot when the City of Landrum participated in Art in Bloom.

“This piece of art is appropriate for the site even if it costs something to sandblast and powder coat it,” said Mayor Robert Briggs. “It’s a worthy project.”