Just a few days ago. Did part or all of that B&O roundhouse ever get torn down?

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=166805

Good to see that the jacket is off the boiler and cylinders. But, the builder's plate and syphon plate still on the smokebox?? Get them into safe storage guys, quick!!!

This one engine I always wanted to see operate; hope the chance comes.

As of a few years ago 5 stalls had been torn down, the 5 affected by the collapse. The next five have serious roof issues and the 5 (4&1/2) that house the equipment seemed intact from the outside.

She is a good old horse that just needs some serious TLC. Hard to believe it has been over 16 years since she last steamed.

FYI:

Roundhouses of this design were designed to facilitate complete roof replacement. The corrosive nature of coal smoke and the high costs and unproven nature of other alternatives left railroads with no choice to use wood. However, using wood always presented a fire risk that could quickly consume both the roof and supporting beams.

The challenge with buildings of this age is to repair the roof so as to limit the effect of wind forces on the outer walls and on the remaining roof sections.

Hopefully the Midwest Railway Historical Society will take heed from the experience of other organizations, and work (literally) to secure a roof over their head before moving forward with other projects. This site has tremendous potential as Cleveland recongnizes the signiifcance of its industrial heritage - and with its proximity to downtown.

Tom Cornillie

The roundhouse is in need of significant stabilization after the collapse of 5 of the stalls. The Midwest Railway Preservation Society which owns the 4070 and the roundhouse are seeking funds for the stabilization work. There is some danger of the roundhouse being demolished as it has been condemned by the City of Cleveland due to structural concerns after the collapse of the 5 stalls. Anyone intereseted in contribution/helping can find information on MRPS's web site.

As to the recent picture of the 4070, I'm not so concerned about the builders plates being on the engine (they're reproductions, anyway) as I am about the fact the engine is sitting with a set of drivers out and the pedestal binders not in place to support the frame and keep the frame jaws from speading out.

As Andy said, the 4070 is a sweetheart and it would be good to see her under steam again.

The Midwest Railway Preservation Society would likely find some support if they would make an effort to publicize what their organization has accomplished and what their current needs are. Their website does not seem to have been updated since 1994, and contains little information even from that time.

If anybody here is connected with them, or is knowledgable of this situation, I would invite them to contact me so that we can work on a RYPN breif or article about this situation.

Even with its recent demolition and deteriorating condition, the Cleveland roundhouse remains one of the most important railroad buildings to be preserved in the US.

Tom Cornillie