On your next visit to Altoona, and with pictures coming soon to our new website, check out one of the most unique pieces of railroad equipment you will ever see. Last Saturday, two dedicated Museum volunteers restored to running condition what we believe is the only "Sandpiper" still operating. If there is another one out there, please let us know. We are still researching the exact history of how this most-unique vehicle came to be. This diesel powered vehicle was used by Conrail to load sand into locomotives. The sand was extracted from a railcar via a series of hoses and pumps, deposited into reservoir onboard the vehicle and then pumped into a waiting locomotive when necessary from a hydraulic lift built into the vehicle.I took a trip across the yard in it last weekend at a blistering speed of about 5 mph but we are sure it is capable of much more! The vehicle will soon receive a new coat of Conrail blue and will see duty again in the future in the Museum yard.Thanks