Train robber ‘gunfighters’ atop Grapevine clock tower create unique vibe, tradition

Dwight Fegley has some interesting co-workers.

Fegley maintains the “gunfighters” at the Glockenspiel Tower Clock in Grapevine. It’s a popular attraction for folks visiting the city and passersby in general.

WBTR — would be train robbers, is an acronym sometimes used to describe Nat and Willie, his two automated friends at the tower. A full description of these “characters” is described on the founders building’s outer wall near the speakers that broadcast their regular arguments and gunfights on the corner opposite the clock tower.

Every couple hours these guys fight over holding up the train for its cash box and, after their skirmish they disappear for a time behind the saloon doors in the tower before coming out again later for a new set of visitors who gather below.

“I have been maintaining the clock tower gunfighters for about three years now, since we updated the power chain system that feeds the ‘boys’ pneumatics and air for their movements,” the 65-year-old Fegley said. “I was part of fabrication of this new system, as I also work with the Grapevine Vintage Railroad in shop maintenance and as train crew.”

Then, he added with a chuckle, “I check on the operation of the boys and lubricate them and change parts as necessary.”

The tower was part of the planning and building of the new Grapevine Convention and Visitors Building over 10 years ago. Fegley said Nat and Willie continue the old west feel and tradition in town, which also includes the aforementioned railroad.

“Even though Nat and Willie’s intent is mischief, they and Dwight are the guardians of the Historic Cotton Belt Rail Road District,” said Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Paul McCallum. “Dwight Fegley has built a personal bond with Nat and Willie as he routinely climbs the Glockenspiel Tower to stand with them and perform preventative maintenance and repairs to keep them functioning for all citizens and visitors to enjoy.”

Fegley said he likes to see the reaction of folks watching from below. Sometimes it even leads to interactions with visitors.

“Occasionally, particularly with test runs of the boys, I will observe their actions from the street below and even mention that I maintain them. Questions arise as to their workings sometimes at that point,” he said.

Recently, his 2-year-old granddaughter visited and got some excitement watching grandpa work with his two best buddies.

“She had the opportunity to visit and enjoy Main Street, including ‘grandpa’s choo choo’, Harvest Hall’s great food court and, of course, Nat and Willie,” he said.

Along with having a fun gig, Fegley believes Nat and Willie represent an important part of Grapevine’s rail history.

“The train robbers tie into our rich Cotton Belt history and it’s importance in the early growth of this town,” he said. “It is a piece of this continuing tradition carried on across the street in the new Hotel Vin and the Harvest Hall’s very vintage rail station feel. Visitors get a bit of historical immersion with each piece of the Main Street vibe as they arrive by rail or car.”

Fegley came to Grapevine almost 10 years ago to teach business aviation at Flight Safety International at DFW Airport, in the classroom and simulators. It wasn’t long before he fell in love with the city’s railroad and its history.

“That first Christmas I was enraptured by a steam locomotive crossing Main Street as I made my way home from work,” he recalled. “I spent hours on the depot platform, and soon after began as a volunteer and then employee of the city. It has been a pleasure to be a part of not only the railroad, but also of the town and its Main Street events, and of course, Nat and Willie.

“It’s great to make Grapevine my home, the small town ‘between the cities,’ and now to be a participant in its vibrant and continuing traditions.”