All,

This is my first post. It looks like a great board. Where can I find the coaling tower listing discussed in the original post?

Thanks,

I'm not sure if anyone else has reported that both the old D&M roundhouse (I believe other old shop buildings as well) in East Tawas, MI is now down, as well as the old Ann Arbor roundhouse in Elberta, MI.

Sorry if I sound like a broken record player.

Somewhere in the back of my feable brain I thought I remembered someone, or some organization putting together a similar database. A couple of clicks and I found what I thought I remembered. The Mr Sulby mentioned in the first posting is in fact the Director of Historic Structure Surveys for the...National Railway Historical Society. Everyone on the this list can view the data base at:

http://www.nrhs.com/historic_structures/index.html

And to think that are some people on this list who don't seem to think that the NRHS does anything worthwhile. I would argue that this is exactly what the NRHS is all about.

I think the NRHS should find a way to take on the project of creating a "style" and format for a database of preserved rolling stock. Now that would be a both a challenge and much needed project.

Tim Andrews
TVRM
Chattanooga, TN

Just to give you an update on the status of the roundhouse in Biggar.

I had an historian go through the building and do a bit of background on it. He feels that it is the last full standing GTP roundhouse and can be attributed to the fall of the GTP. Currently he is going through procedures to have it deemed an historic point of interest or National Park status with help from our local MP in the House of Commons.

This being said, there might not be a need for demolition after all and could become quite a show piece. They have already tracked down the shop equipment/tools which have been stored in barns within a 150 mile radius of Biggar as well as one of the last steam locomotives that used the facility.

P.S. He also poked around with a metal detector and found a few items including old tools, cans, fire bricks and parts.

Update on Roundhouse in Biggar;

http://www.carolskelton.ca/Releases2007/20071024a.htm

OTTAWA - Today, on behalf of Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar constituents, Member of Parliament Carol Skelton tabled a petition in the House of Commons calling on the Government of Canada to designate the historically unique Grand Truck Pacific (CNR) Locomotive Roundhouse in Biggar, Saskatchewan a National Historic site.

“The Mayor of Biggar as well as many people within the community and surrounding area are mobilizing to save the CNR locomotive roundhouse because of its unique structure and historical value to the community and I wholeheartedly support their campaign,” said MP Carol Skelton.

The 1990 Heritage Railway Stations Protection Act (HRSPA) was enacted by Parliament to protect heritage railway stations by ensuring that these stations and features that represent their heritage are preserved. This ensures that no railway company may in any way alter, demolish or transfer ownership of a designate station without the authorization of the Governor in Council following a recommendation from the Minister of Environment. However, this Act does not extend protection to locomotive roundhouses.

“The Biggar locomotive roundhouse was rescued from demolition in the early 1970’s and again in 1974. Over the years it has received routine maintenance by the long term leaseholders. However, their lease runs out in 2009 and now because of a clause in the lease, it is once again slated for demolition,” explained Skelton.

Although the CNR station in Biggar was designated a Heritage Railway Station in 1995, this did not include the CN locomotive roundhouse in Biggar. Thousands of people are rallying in support of this community campaign to ensure that the CN locomotive roundhouse in Biggar, Saskatchewan is preserved and receives national heritage designation.

No Roundhouse at Redondo Junction!

Kev -

Sounds as if steps are going forward in an effort to save the large CN (Grand Trunk Pacific) roundhouse at Biggar, Saskatchewan. That is good news!

Les

The old El Paso and Southwestern Railroad roundhouse at Tucson, Arizona is still here and in use by a construction/trucking firm. The structure does not appear to have been significantly altered (though I have not had the opportunity to inspect close up).