Jeff Koons could be bringing a full-size replica 1943 Baldwin 2900 steam locomotive to the High Line—which is perfectly fitting since the park used to be an elevated rail line. The train won't be fixed on to where the remaining tracks are, however, instead it will be hoisted above the park on a crane. Which sounds very safe indeed! Especially with those old ghosts running around the place, eager to get their hands on one of their ol' means of transport.
CityRoom notes that the Friends of the High Line have been wanting to highlight the park’s rail history, declaring, “We’ve had a crush on the ‘Train’ for a while now. To me, it looks very industrial and sculptural. The craftsmanship that went into these industrial engines is quite beautiful.”
The sculpture actually isn't fabricated yet, but will be constructed of steel and carbon fiber, weighing at around several tons. It would also include spinning wheels, a blowing horn, and steam! To get this thing going full speed ahead, there's the matter of the $25 million or so needed to fund it. The High Line hopes to secure a donor to sponsor the piece, "which could either hang permanently or for several years."
The piece could also end up at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, but the High Line is cool with sharing—“There’s some symmetry in this sort of transcontinental rail idea."
