Eleven custom-painted model railroad freight cars were among items stolen during an auto burglary in Point Richmond on Saturday.
Butch Eyler of Biglerville, PA., was in Richmond this past weekend to attend a model train show at St. David School.
Eyler is an artist and founder of TheWeatheringShop.com who specializes in recreating train models from prototype photos. He travels the nation to model train shows in order to display the models, talk about techniques and participate in clinics on anything railroad related.
On Saturday night, an otherwise positive visit to Richmond ended terribly. While dining at the Up & Under Grill on W. Richmond Avenue, one or more thieves smashed the window of his rented truck and made off with a bag containing 11 model railroad freight cars, a terrabyte drive and other small items.
Eyler said he’s reported the incident to police. The incident has also been reported to hobby shops, railroad museums and has been spreading on social media in case someone will be able to identify the models and return them.
“It’s been unbelievable the response and support I’ve got from this,” Eyler said. “There’s even a $700 reward posted for their return.”
Eyler is currently in Seattle visiting family. He says he’s “still in shock that they’re gone.”
“It’s a hobby I enjoy…I can only hope that someone will turn them and I can get them back,” he said.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of these trains, please contact us at [email protected] so that we may connect you with their rightful owner.
