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One of the biggest [roundhouses]
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Author:  Dennis Hogan [ Fri May 29, 1998 3:27 am ]
Post subject:  One of the biggest [roundhouses]

One of the biggest roundhouses I've seen still standing is in Las Vegas, New Mexico. It's a former Santa Fe one. Can't remember how many stalls, but it impressed me as approaching a full circle more closer than anything else I'd seen. <br>There's also one just west of Colorado Springs that's a good size.<br><br>

Author:  Bob Yarger [ Fri May 29, 1998 6:20 am ]
Post subject:  Re: One of the biggest [roundhouses]

<br>Please keep in mind that RyPN is always interested in photos (old and recent), histories, and other information on existing roundhouses. The Las Vegas roundhouse is one of only two extant AT&SF roundhouses. It apparently became redundant not too long after being built, and was sold or leased out for storage about 1940.<p>Of all the railroad artifacts we preserve, roundhouses are the most endangered and least preserved, yet what better place to shelter some of those sad rusting locomotives in city parks? Too bad there's so little interest in saving them...<br>



ryarger@together.net

Author:  Todd Schultz [ Thu Jun 04, 1998 12:13 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: One of the biggest [roundhouses]

Roundhouses and coaling towers are rare, I will agree. And I would love to see more of them preserved.<p>However, one problem is expense. For example, the roundhouse preservation I am involved with in Sioux City, IA is barely ahead of the game in keeping our roundhouse and adjacent buildings from collapsing or being destroyed by water from leaky roofs. The neglect has been so great, and the repairs that must be made are so extensive that the cost is absurd.<p>Amongst ourselves, we've commented that we are lucky that only the foundation remains of the wood coaling tower that once existed on our property. If it still existed, it would likely be falling apart, and falling on our heads. I love my hard hat and wear it religiously, but it won't protect me from a 2'x3'x30' timber falling from 100 feet!<p>I offer this simply for perspective. I would love to see a restored/preserved coaling tower, but unless Bill Gates or some other rich guy suddenly takes a liking to coal towers and roundhouses, there won't be many preserved due to the cost.<br>



tsschutl@usd.edu

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