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A 1926 Pennsylvania Railroad baggage car is shown spray-painted with graffiti

(Courtesy of United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey)

BOONTON -- Eight historic train cars were spray-painted with graffiti and two locomotives were damaged, disheartening rail buffs devoted to their upkeep.

The vandalism at a lot on Morris Avenue was reported Saturday. The lot is leased by NJ Transit to the United Railroad Historical Society of New Jersey.

Rail society spokesman Kevin Phalon said damages are estimated at $15,000.

Two of the defaced cars, including a baggage car dating to 1926, are used in an annual "Toys for Tots" charity train, Phalon said.

Windows were broken in one locomotive, Phalon said, and a fire extinguisher was ripped out and discharged in the other.

No arrests had been made as of Tuesday and an investigation is ongoing, Boonton Police Captain Thomas Turrisi said.

It is not known exactly when the graffiti occurred, but Turrisi said it is believed to have happened during the week leading up to the discovery.

Phalon said that while vandalism has occurred over the years, that "this is the worst we've seen so far."

The non-profit group warehouses about 50 locomotives and cars at the lot, which is surrounded by an eight-foot high fence.

Phalon said the rail society owns seven of the damaged train cars, ranging in introduction from 1912 to 1971.

The Military Transport Association owns the eighth, a box car also used in the Toys for Tots program.

The rail group was founded in 1987 and is seeking a rail museum in New Jersey.

Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.