SUGARCREEK, Ohio — The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum is honored to receive the 2025 Significant Achievement Award – Steam from the HeritageRail Alliance for the cosmetic restoration of Bessemer & Lake Erie #643 steam locomotive. This award recognizes the exceptional skill and dedication of our restoration team in preserving and showcasing historic locomotives.
B&LE #643 arrived at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum on January 31, 2024. Acquiring this locomotive was a lifelong dream of Jerry Jacobson, who envisioned restoring and displaying it alongside the museum’s other steam locomotives. As the largest locomotive in the museum’s collection, B&LE #643 measures over 108 feet in length, stands more than 16 feet high, and weighs 450 tons without coal and water. With 26 tons of coal and 23,000 gallons of water, the locomotive’s total weight reaches an impressive 572 tons.
“All the staff and volunteers at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum greatly appreciate the HeritageRail Alliance for the decision to award this honor for the restoration of No. 643 to its ‘as in service’ appearance for our visitors and future generations.” Said Tim Sposato, Chief Mechanical Officer
“This vision to see through a window into the past is important for rail-oriented organizations to help expose the colorful history of railroading history.” Sposato added.
The full cosmetic restoration of #643 was completed in March 2025, and the locomotive is now on public display. The museum’s back shop takes great pride in each restoration project, dedicating extensive hours and expertise to ensure every locomotive receives meticulous care from top to bottom.
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