Since November 2005, Hicksville Chamber of Commerce President James Pavone and Dave Kean II of Atlantic Propane Gas in Hicksville have been working to construct a non-working, life-sized replica of the historic "John Bull" locomotive for permanent display at Kennedy Memorial Park. During the 1830s, two "John Bull" steam engines were operated on the Long Island Rail Road with Hicksville serving as a primary destination.

For the past seven months, Pavone and Kean have been working to create a 27-foot model of the steam engine complete with a 13-foot smoke stack. Once completed, the wood and steel replica will be placed on an actual railroad track with actual railroad ties at Kennedy Park, serving as an "icon" for Hicksville and dedicated in memory of Long Island Rail Road founder Valentine Hicks.

According to Pavone, the goal is to have the project completed before the set November 2007 deadline, particularly since October 2006 will mark the chamber's 80th anniversary and, in October 2005, Hicksville celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of steam.

At this time, a steam locomotive from Jamaica and another from Riverhead traveled to Hicksville. Upon arriving, both trains pulled into the south siding, facing each other for a "kiss" before being replaced with two new RS-3 diesel locomotives, thus ending the Age of Steam Locomotives on the Long Island Rail Road.

There are only two "John Bull" steam engines in existence today. The original "John Bull," on display at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C, remains the oldest working engine in the world while the only other replica, built in 1939, for the World's Fair at Flushing Meadows Park in Corona.

In constructing the replica, donations were sought from throughout the Hicksville community as well as the state and country. Local businesses have donated equipment and supplies as well as manpower. To date, a great deal of funding has been raised through private donations and grants, but an estimated $50,000 is still needed to successfully complete the project.

As a result, a Train Campaign is under way with a kickoff event scheduled for Saturday at the William P. Bennett Community Center. The Train Campaign, which is intended is to raise awareness of and funds to complete construction of the replica, will feature operating model train layouts from local clubs, a portable HO layout that travels in a motor home, exhibits from the Long Island Rail Road, Metropolitan Transit Authority Police and local artists as well as vendors, drawings, giveaways and refreshments.

In addition, an art exhibit tribute to the "John Bull" and the steam engine era will be presented for the first time. The chamber has partnered with Hicksville-based Pandagraphics and the Artists Group for a publicly judged art exhibit. Five artworks in various disciplines representing unique interpretations of the "John Bull" will be on exhibit for the public to judge. Posters of the designs will also be displayed at local businesses with ballot boxes available. In addition, voting can be done via the Internet by visiting www.debbydoll.com and clicking on the "John Bull Welcome to Hicksville" sign.

The Train Campaign will take place Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the William P. Bennett Community Center, 28 West Carl Street. The cost is $3 for adults; $1 for children 6-12; and free for children 6 and under. Proceeds will benefit the Hicksville Chamber of Commerce Train Campaign, which is being coordinated by Barbara and Joel Berse of Hicksville's Trainville Hobby Depot.

To donate or get involved with the project, call Jim Pavone at 932-3322 or Joel Berse at 433-4444. Printable donation forms are available at www. HicksvilleChamber.com.