Cary Towne Center train takes final ride, towed away from the mall
Earlier this week, the iconic train at Cary Towne Center took its final ride through the mall's hallways, bidding farewell to years of childhood memories.
Posted — UpdatedSome recalled childhood memories riding on the train – and the carousel, which is also no longer around. Others shared their appreciation for Mr. James, the conductor.
Many wanted to know where the train would go next.
"We get some interesting calls every now and then, but this one had us scratching our heads! The customer asked us to move his train," said Bill. "We weren't sure how we would do it, but we decided to at least go look and see if we could figure something out."
But when the pair arrived at Cary Towne Center, they realized they weren't being called to move a full-sized train. Instead, they were being called to move something heavier – childhood memories.
"I remember growing up riding on that train," said Justin, who never imagined he would grow up to one day tow the train for its final ride through the mall.
The Farley family is no stranger to classic Cary nostalgia.
Epic Games, who are slated to take over the mall, would be quite a technological upgrade from the classic arcade Time Out, with its retro rainbow colors arched over the doorway.
"I remember the employee who had the change belt in the arcade," he recalled. "You'd give him a dollar, and he would pump quarters out of their belt. That man had so much power!"
They said they felt honored to move the iconic train – and hope it'll find a new home somewhere close by, where it can continue creating memories.
The fate of the iconic Cary Towne Center train
The train's original owner sold the train to another man who worked in the mall, according to Justin.
"I believe he owned some of the other entertainment stations near the food court, like the bungee jumper," he said.
"We understand that he is looking for a new location to run the train – hopefully nearby, since he lives in the area himself," said Bill.
So the train could pop up again soon.
When they tow the train again to a new location, they promised to update with photos and information.
"This has obviously touched many hearts as we all have great memories of seeing and riding this train," they wrote. "Hopefully it will find a new home soon."
More memories from the early days of Cary Towne Center
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