In 2021, a historic Buffalo Creek flour-carrying rail boxcar (Boxcar BCK 1424) made its auspicious return to Buffalo. The project was spearheaded by Charlie Monte Verde of the Flour by Rail Legacy Project (FBRLP). Charlie, who works in the rail industry, has made it his mission to help reinvigorate our city’s love of the railroad. This is an important and admirable project considering that Buffalo was once the second biggest rail city in the nation.
After successfully trucking the historic boxcar to Silo City (see video), Charlie’s next goal was to create a non-profit 501(c)(3), and embark upon its restoration.
Currently there is a fundraising effort underway that will enable the team to fix the end rooflines of the boxcar, which have suffered from light rusting and rotting. Both pieces need to be torched out, upon which time they will be taken to Rigidized Metals, where two new pieces will be fabricated and reapplied to the car. Then, the boxcar (including the side door, which is also being repaired) will be painted.
Soon, the formerly in-peril – headed for the scrapyard – boxcar will look something like this:
As a way to creatively fundraise, Charlie is launching a beer that has been brewed by West Shore Brewing Co. The brewery, owned by brewer Josh Dziomba – a rail aficionado – was formerly located in Clarence, NY, along the West Shore Railroad. The brewery is in the midst of relocating its operating to a new location at the Rusty Nickel Brewing in West Seneca.
Due to his own family’s history in the rail industry, Josh has brewed a number of RR-themed beers, which is what led Charlie to his doorstep. Together, Charlie and Josh have created a Lake-to-Rail Citrus Lager that is being unveiled this coming Saturday, June 10 (1pm-5pm) at Duende at Silo City – 85 Silo City Row.
“The new beer will be a steady fundraising tool for the project,” Charlie told me. “We’ve been making numerous partnerships since we trucked the boxcar to Silo City. Rigidized Metals is a partner, and so is Explore Buffalo (Buffalo tours). Josh and West Shore Brewing are now helping this project to come to fruition.
Tickets ($25) for the Debut Party & Fundraiser for NEW Flour-by-Rail/Silo City Beer can be purchased at Eventbrite. All proceeds will be directed to the Flour-By-Rail Legacy Project.
The day will include scheduled tours of the grounds and boxcar, unlimited hop-induced merriment, live music, and fast-forging of friendships.
Family friendly – Capri Sun and loganberry for the kids
Prizes and raffles
Agenda
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM – Beer Debut Event
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM – Tour of Buffalo Creek 1424 Boxcar Restoration
2:45 PM – 3:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 1st Group
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM – Silo City Ground Tour by Explore Buffalo – 2nd Group
To support the Flour by Rail Legacy Project visit this GoFundMe page.