Any news out there on the stabilization of the Cleveland, OH roundhouse where GTW 2-8-2 4070 is stored? Also, any plans to restore the locomotive to operation to run on the NPS railroad through the National Park? There was a tidbit in Trains a while back, but no news recently. I understand that the city has condemmed the roundhouse, but the remaining walls have yet to be demolish. Is this still the case??

Antonio,

Thanks for inquiring about the ex-B&O roundhouse at W.3rd St. I was in the area of The Flats a couple of months ago. The good news is that the debris from the partial collapse of the structure has been neatly cleaned up and new primed structural steel bracing appears to be in place to stabilize the intermediate load bearing wall. It looks like the roof and back wall of the last sectioin of the structure is gone. The backwall of the rest of the roundhouse faces W.3rd St. and it is obvious to me that it is in serious need of some extensive work to save it. This cannot be an inexpensive proposition. I believe the structure is no longer owned by CSX. If not, I doubt the group could have raised the needed funds. I'm also guessing that this work will keep the City of Cleveland from condemning the structure and evicting the group.

As you can see, they have a major project in front of them to keep and rebuild their "home" shop. Restoration of 4070, while we would all love to see it happen, will probably not take place until after they get the roundhouse squared away and in order. I don't know where the funds came from for this work. Hopefully they can get a little more to get the building closed back in and ready for use a roundhouse.

I grew up in the 70's east of Cleveland. 4070 was the first big steam engine I ever got to see or ride behind as a kid back in the mid 70's. I would love to see her run again. Here's hoping they get the roundhouse completed and under their own ownership.

Regarding 4070, she's a tired old girl in need of a complete Class V restoration. The boiler would need the new Form 4 paperwork and engineering work done. I have heard that the frame has mutiple cracks in it although I highly doubt that this kind of defect is a deal killer if you're looking to run the engine at 25 to 35 MPH on weekends only. Something tells me she's not the only steamer with frame cracks!

Rob Gardner

http://www.midwestrailway.org/ is their website with plenty of information.

Ken,

I checked out their website right after I made the last post. I know that groups are under no obligation to post every bit of news or information online, but it would be nice to get some updates every once in a while. It does look like they are expanding their website.

Do you know where the funding came from for the clean up and stabilization of the building?

Rob Gardner

Thanks for the Update.

Antonio