Familiar chimes might never be heard again at the WDM. 

For the past one to two years, the Shortline 101 has been the main focus at the Western Development in Moose Jaw, as staff and volunteers spent countless hours fundraising so the train could once again ride around outside the museum. Now, it's returned to the spotlight as the museum has fallen victim to thieves. 

"There's been a lot of work, time and effort going into the train to make sure the train was up and running again for the community. It was a real blow to us to realize that someone would actually steal the bell," explained Manager at the

Cries of sadness and frustration are what can be heard echoing from Moose Jaw's Western Development Museum following a theft to a piece of their Vulcan Locomotive.WDM, Kathy Fitton. "I just thank anyone and everyone who keeps their eye out for it, keeps their ear out for any mention of it anywhere, and please let us know or the city police know."

Staff believes the incident took place sometime during the end of last week, possibly sometime on Thursday or Friday.

Fitton said if someone does spot it, there are a few characteristics that might make it stick out. 

"It's a solid brass bell with the clapper or clanker, whatever you call it on the inside and it's red, which is pretty unusual. And whoever took it, took the whole bracket as usual which is black iron. (It's) not something most people are going to have sitting around their yard, or their  house or apartment."

The culprits were able to gain access to a locked compound where the locomotive is stored to commit the crime. 

Volunteers, staff and those who consider the WDM their second home are devastated and hope that someone stumbles upon it or the person responsible has a change of heart.

"If you hear anything, we have reported it to the police of course. It's a real loss to us. If by some chance, whoever decided they wanted it changes their mind and perhaps realizes they overstepped, bring it back... we'd sure love to have it."

Fitton noted that they've been busy reaching out to pawn shops and posting to social media sites and pages trying to spread the word. The matter is under investigation by the Moose Jaw Police Service as they try to retrieve this irreplaceable item to one of Moose Jaw's local museums.