Want to sport some Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum merchandise or just interested in some interesting Roundhouse inspired gifts? Can’t visit the Roundhouse in person but want to show your support for our mission?
Check out our online store and order Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum logo merchandise, books, gifts, and more. New merchandise is added all the time and we’ll be offering “web only” exclusive deals!
United States Army locomotive No. 2630 leads a train of WWII-era military vehicles during the Steam to Victory event.
On July 5 and 6, 2019, the Age of Steam Roundhouse hosted Steam to Victory, an event to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings and to celebrate the role that railroads played in the war effort. This unique event brought together WWII reenactors, historic military vehicles, and the Roundhouse’s own collection of WWII-era trains.
The “star” of the railroad exhibits was US Army 2-8-0 locomotive No. 2630, which was unveiled at the event after an in-depth cosmetic restoration. Resplendent in Army Olive Drab paint, No. 2630 was featured leading two restored Army flatcars and a Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad caboose. Atop the flatcars, military vehicles were displayed including an M3 half-track, M8 Greyhound armored car, a Jeep, and a unique “Weasel” tracked vehicle. This unique exhibit represented a World War II train moving important equipment off to battle.
Around the Age of Steam grounds, numerous military displays welcomed guests with immersive experiences. Visitors learned about the living conditions of soldiers on the front lines from reenactors of both the Allies and Axis forces. Vehicle rides and small arms demonstrations gave guests a taste of how this impressive equipment was used in war. Twice a day, the reenactors marched off for a simulated skirmish where US troops stormed a German bunker. The Ohio Amish countryside surrounding the Roundhouse were a good stand-in for the similar fields and hills of Western Europe.
Other components of the Age of Steam railroad collection were also on-hand for guests to view. Grand Trunk Western 4-8-4 #6325 led two restored Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad passenger coaches, simulating one of the thousands of troop trains which shuttled soldiers around the US. One of the most colorful exhibits was a steam locomotive tender made up to represent the red, white and blue “Buy War Bonds” tenders created by the Nickel Plate Road as a means of advertisement to help in the war effort. Another tender sported the insignia of the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, which Age of Steam Roundhouse founder Jerry Jacobson served in. Finally, 0-6-0T tank engine #4 proudly displayed its heritage as a US Navy switching locomotive.
Age of Steam Roundhouse would like to thank the following organizations for their participation in Steam to Victory:
Despite some hot weather and a few pop-up thunderstorms, Age of Steam Roundhouse’s first large public event was well-attended and received positive feedback. Stay tuned to the Roundhouse mailing list, website and social media channels as we work to develop more exciting events and experiences in the coming months.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum (AoSRM) in Sugarcreek, Ohio, is excited and pleased to announce that it has successfully acquired B&LE 643, which is the only remaining 2-10-4 Texas Type steam locomotive of the 47 built for the Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad.
B&LE 643 is a heavy-haul steam locomotive that was designed and built to move iron ore, coal, and other high-density commodities to and from the Great Lakes region. Built in 1944, the 643 saw an early retirement in 1952 due to the increased introduction of diesels to the Bessemer & Lake Erie’s locomotive roster. Fortunately, the 643 and two other smaller steamers were preserved by the B&LE in its roundhouse in Greenville, Pa.
B&LE 643 will become the largest locomotive in the AoSRM collection. This behemoth is just over 108’ long, stands over 16’ high, and weighs 308.32 tons without coal and water. Add 26 tons of coal, and 23,000 gallons of water, and B&LE 643 tops the scales at 908,720 lbs., or more than 454 tons!
AoSRM founder, Jerry Jacobson, nicknamed B&LE 643, “The King,“ as it is believed to be one of the largest non-articulated steam locomotives in the world. It had been Jerry’s life-long desire to acquire this historic iron giant to restore and display with the other 21 steam locomotives in his collection. The Board of Directors and dedicated Staff at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum, are deeply grateful to Glenn Campbell and The Steel City Railway Historical Society for saving B&LE 643 in McKees Rocks, Pa., and for their selflessness, by assuring the locomotive’s long-lived future at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum would like to recognize and honor the efforts of The Ernest Stern Family and his son, Rick Stern, of Pittsburgh for their direct and dedicated involvement in the critical phases of restoration of B&LE 643. Their one time ownership, and financial investment in the 643, are responsible for much of the early work performed that has greatly helped its survival for these many years!
Future official reports and updates about the movement of B&LE 643 from McKees Rocks to Sugarcreek will be posted on our website: www.ageofsteamroundhouse.org.
Bill Strawn, Board Chairman
2018 has been a year of significant progress in the Age of Steam Roundhouse shop. The cavernous backshop echoed with the sound of air hammers as boiler work wrapped up on two of steam locomotives and continued on a third. In addition to major mechanical work, a number of other exciting projects have advanced forward.
In July, engine #12 rolled out of our backshop after an extensive restoration. Over a three-week period, #12 was put through a series of test runs and adjustments to ensure reliable operation (video here). This stout little switch engine will be ideal for steam demonstrations around the Age of Steam complex in the future.
While #12 may not carry the same notoriety as some of the larger engines in the AoSR collection, it was always one of founder Jerry Jacobson’s favorites. Serving in the 82nd Airborne division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in the early 1960’s, Jerry would take advantage of his weekend passes to visit the M&NF and witness #12 in service hauling freight on the Kentucky shortline. AoSR is pleased to count #12 back among the ranks of operable locomotives.
Confirming a job well done, the Heritage Rail Alliance recognized #12 with its 2018 Significant Achievement Award – Steam.
This powerful freight-hauler emerged from the backshop in late Fall after significant firebox work. 33’s firebox received a new crown sheet and upper thermic siphons, as well as numerous replacement staybolts. Test runs around the AoSR site revealed all repairs were sound and the engine is top shape once again. Video of #33 under steam is available here:
Acquired by AoSR in 2016, famous #19 has also been undergoing a firebox overhaul. An entirely new door sheet (rear wall of the firebox) is being fashioned, and patches to the side sheets and corners of the firebox have already been installed. New staybolts have been machined and are already on-hand for installation when the door sheet is complete.
#19’s trailing truck was in need of an overhaul, so the backshop’s drop table was put to use removing it from under the engine. The original trailing truck frame had seen numerous weld repairs, and was generally worn out. A new one is now being fabricated. New Babbitt for the trailing truck bearings is also in-process.
Many pieces of our collection saw cosmetic restoration work this year, improving their visual appeal and providing our tour guests with new and exciting sights. Columbus & Southern Ohio Electric fireless 0-4-0 #2, Alabama, Tennessee & Northern 2-10-0 #401, and US Navy 0-6-0T #4 all received a general cleanup and new paint. US Army 2-8-0 #612 was renumbered back to its original number of #2630 and is currently under a more extensive cosmetic overhaul. Look for more news on #2630 in early 2019.
In addition to the steam locomotives, two Electro-Motive Division SW9 diesel locomotives were repainted in their original Montour Railroad black with yellow lettering. Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato started his railroad career on this coal hauling shortline in Western Pennsylvania, and thanks to Tim and AoSR these vintage diesels are preserved for all to enjoy.
As reported in October, former Wheeling and Lake Erie 0-6-0 #3960 became a part of the AoSR collection. Photos of the move and more information are available on our News page.
On a sad note, longtime Age of Steam Roundhouse employee Jeff Williams passed away on November 15th, 2018 after an illness. Shown here with his beloved dog Petey, Jeff helped build the Roundhouse and handled most of the woodworking aspects of our restorations. We will miss Jeff’s humor, kind words and easygoing disposition.
During this joyful holiday season, we extend greetings from our Age of Steam Roundhouse family to yours. As we gather with friends and family, please keep in mind the men and women around the world working tirelessly to defend our country. We thank them for their continued sacrifice.
2019 promises to be an exciting year for Age of Steam Roundhouse, and we’re excited to share the next step in this journey with you. Until then, we hope that you had a very Merry Christmas and send our Best Wishes for a happy, healthy, and steam-filled New Year!
Greetings!
It has been a while since our last Roundhouse Report. With a number of projects in-process, we wanted to give you the latest on happenings at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
2017 has been a year of boiler work in the Age of Steam Backshop. #12 and #33 have both been receiving significant boiler repairs, and these two projects are getting the lion’s share of our crew’s attention as we push them toward completion.
Restoration work on #12 is progressing nicely. Having not run since the 1950’s, this engine was in need of a large amount of boiler work to bring it back into compliance with current FRA standards. To accomplish this task Age of Steam crews teamed up with boiler contractors to complete a lengthy list of repairs. We are happy to report that this project is now at the point where parts are starting to go back onto the locomotive, a major milestone in any steam restoration. A partial list of repairs that have been made to #12 includes:
– Multiple patches and replacement rivets in firebox / mudring
– Renewed rear tube sheet knuckle
– Renewed all 196 flexible staybolts, sleeves and caps
– Welded in 4 new Huron-type firebox washout plugs
– Replaced arch tubes and installed new arch brick
– Replaced all 292 boiler tubes
– Straightened and repaired both tube sheets
– Designed, machined and installed new steam dome lid
– Replaced steam dome studs
– Replaced approximately 50% of smokebox
– Installed newly-cast smoke stack
– Installed newly-cast blastpipe
– Completed all FRA Form 4 calculations
– Inspected and cleaned driver journals
– Rebuilt grease cellars
– Inspected and repaired Stephenson Valve gear and slide valves
– Repaired and chrome-plated slide valves
– Replaced valve and piston packing
– Inspected, cleaned and repaired side rods and crank pins
– Inspected, cleaned and repaired all appliances, valves, water glasses, tri-cocks, and throttle
– Built all-new welded tender tank (complete with faux rivet heads) and installed on existing tender frame
#12’s boiler was hydrostatically tested with good results. On February 12, 2018, the engine was fired up for the first time since 1963. Test-firing was a success and the repaired boiler received a clean bill of health. Final reassembly is currently underway and painting will quickly follow. When the completed #12 rolls out of the shop for the first time, it will mark the first full locomotive restoration at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
Firebox work on our big Consolidation is nearly complete, with the upper portions of both thermic syphons and the entire crown sheet having been renewed. Crews continue to work on installing new staybolts and wrapping up other tasks related to firebox work. When those tasks are done, we’ll hydrostatically test the boiler, reinstall the #33’s cab, and connect all of the cab fixtures that have been removed. We are excited to return this beefy freight hauler to service as soon as possible.
As we announced in January 2018, the 20th steam locomotive in the AoSRH collection is this unique “fireless cooker” locomotive. #2 made the 112-mile trip from its longtime home in Sharon, Pennsylvania aboard a lowboy trailer. This unique piece is now receiving a cosmetic restoration.
In early June 2017, #19 arrived in Sugarcreek via railroad flatcar. After being unloaded by two large cranes, #19 was immediately shoved into the backshop for a good cleaning and new paint. Our team set to work, meticulously needle-scaling every inch of the engine and taking off any rust that may have accumulated while she was in storage. Next, a new coat of black paint was applied, restoring much of #19’s visual appeal.
We have begun work on evaluating #19’s boiler to determine a scope of work necessary to return the engine to service. #19 is still within its current 1,472 operating day / 15 year inspection schedule, and we hope to find the engine can be made ready to operate with some minor repairs.
In February of 2018, we bade farewell to Dave Kloke’s beautiful replica of a Civil-War era 4-4-0. The Leviathan had been brightening up the roundhouse as it spent the last few winters at AoSRH. Dave and his crew loaded up the locomotive to transport it to its new, permanent home.
Roundhouse crews have repainted and re-lettered our shop switcher for its original owner, the New York and Pennsylvania Company. This paper company used #2 – in its original 36” gage – inside its plant in Johnsonburg, PA.
Our previous Roundhouse Report indicated this wood-sided steel boxcar was under careful restoration. We’re happy to share that this restoration has been completed, and the results are beautiful. After extensive sanding and wood replacement, #26571 received a beautiful orange paint job and looks brand new once again.
One of a set of covered hoppers that was transferred to Age of Steam Roundhouse after the sale of the Ohio Central Railroad, OHCR #105 has been sandblasted and repainted as P&LE 1447.
This former PRR hopper has posed as a Montour Railroad car on OC / AoSRH photo freights for a number of years. Since #847 was beginning to look a little shabby, it has been freshly repainted and re-lettered.
As always, thank you for your interest in the Age of Steam Roundhouse. We have more exciting projects in the planning stages, and will keep you updated as events unfold.
Finally, we close with a nod to our founder, the late Jerry Jacobson. Jerry passed away in September of 2017 after a lengthy illness. When it came to steam locomotives, he was always quick with a smile. Here we see Jerry in one of his favorite locations, engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with a AoSRH visitor in the cab of engine #1293.
As always, thank you for your interest in the Age of Steam Roundhouse. We have more exciting projects in the planning stages, and will keep you updated as events unfold.
Finally, we close with a nod to our founder, the late Jerry Jacobson. Jerry passed away in September of 2017 after a lengthy illness. When it came to steam locomotives, he was always quick with a smile. Here we see Jerry in one of his favorite locations, engaged in an enthusiastic conversation with a AoSRH visitor in the cab of engine #1293.
The year 2016 has quickly passed, and as we sit back to review all the work performed at the Age of Steam Roundhouse, it is apparent that plenty has been accomplished, but the list of uncompleted work is still long. We pride ourselves in doing each job properly and thoroughly, not quickly just to say that it was accomplished.
Whenever we were able to free-up manpower from other jobs, this engine was given additional attention during the past few months. The driver journals have been inspected and cleaned, with the addition of newly rebuilt grease cellars and new grease. Shoes and wedges were inspected and repaired, where necessary, as well as No.12’s pedestal binders and binder bolts. The Stephenson Valve gear was disassembled, repaired and reinstalled, and steam cylinder slide valves were completely gone over and repaired as needed. This 0-6-0’s valve rods were reground and chrome plated for a better fit of the valve rod packing. For easier maintenance in the future, the loco’s old-fashioned rope-type, valve rod packing was changed to the newer, better King Metallic design. Work on the main driver crank pins and side rods has been completed, and all of these parts have been reassembled. The locomotive’s main rods are still being rebuilt, and will be re-installed back onto No.12 when repairs have been completed. Work continues on its boiler, appliances and other smaller fixtures.
The boiler work includes replacement of broken and worn studs, as well as replacement of the majority of the flexible stay bolt sleeves. Blending these jobs with some firebox side sheet repairs took more time than we anticipated, so the boiler tube replacement has been delayed as we focused on the jobs mentioned above.
This beautiful locomotive saw a few days of operation on several occasions, the most notable being some time spent under steam out on the Ohio Central main line. The short trips were operated for employees and some friends of Mr. Jacobson for some enjoyable days of steam and relaxation. No.1293 received a few minor adjustments throughout the year, and is maintained in perfect operational condition and physical appearance.
After purchasing No.19 at a sheriff’s auction in October 2016, preparations by AoSRH have been underway to transport the 87-ton steam locomotive and tender from the town of Yreka to the village of Sugarcreek. Because this Mikado was essentially landlocked in California, removed rails had to be replaced there, a diesel locomotive repaired and a special heavy-duty flatcar reserved and, when available, moved empty from Chicago to the West Coast for the loading of the locomotive. Please watch our Age of Steam Roundhouse website for details and photos of No.19—our 19th steam locomotive—as they become available.
After acquiring this engine at AoSRH during 2015, we saw that years of prior outside storage had resulted in heavy weathering, the most notable being to the severely rotted, wooden, front pilot beam. In anticipation of doing a repair, we ordered a wooden timber in order to fashion a new pilot beam, allowing it to sit inside the roundhouse for more than a year to permit proper curing of the freshly-cut oak. This heavy beam was fitted to the No.105, and cosmetic touches were applied to the front of the engine. These minor repairs will allow for a better visual appearance of this 0-6-0 for those people who will be touring the roundhouse this summer. (Please see our announcement later-on in this edition of the Roundhouse Report about pre-scheduled, escorted group tours that AoSRH will be offering on certain summertime Saturdays.)
Repairs, restoration and assembly of our Putnam 80-inch wheel lathe have been completed. This lathe was one of our bigger projects on which we concentrated during 2016. We did not want to slow our momentum in its restoration,and that persistence paid off in November when we tested the finished machine. Practicing on an old tender wheel set, we energized the lathe and did some initial cutting as we discovered and learned how the completely rebuilt lathe would respond to all the new parts, controls and changes that we had given to it. This test was a great success, and in the ensuing days we fine-tuned this lathe a little more and got a better feel for its operations and limitations. We did not acquire many cutting and profiling tools in England with the purchase of this American-manufactured lathe, so we created homemade cutters here at the roundhouse.
One of our spare-time projects during 2015-16 was restoration and painting of ex-Baltimore & Ohio gondola No.451091. This old car was built originally during 1959 as a coil-steel carrying gondola; its last use was in CSXT maintenance-of-way service before being retired and sold to a man in Orrville, Ohio. During 2015 AoSRH purchased this car and trucked it to the roundhouse for eventual restoration. Gon No.451091 was sandblasted and repainted back to its “as built” appearance when it first entered service. Work was done on a sporadic basis using part-time and volunteer workers, who also hand-cut stencils for the numerals, lettering and B&O logo. The finishing touch was the hand-painting of all the reporting marks based on the builder’s photo of this class of car. These guys did a great job of giving back to the gondola its dignity for the enjoyment of everyone.
The piece of rolling stock that we are currently restoring was built in 1931 as an insulated boxcar, and used primarily by the Libby’s Company to haul fruits and vegetables to its canning factories. This wood-sided steel car was not a reefer and carried no ice or mechanical refrigeration units, instead using its thick insulation to protect its precious cargo of perishables. Retired during the 1960s, this car was donated to the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum in Washington, Pa. We acquired the car during 2014, and had it moved by truck to Sugarcreek where it has sat warm and dry inside the roundhouse. The deteriorated sections of wood sheathing are being replaced, de-scaling of the exterior metal sections and a final paint job will restore the appearance of this car to how it would have looked when in regular service.
The second of our US Army flatcars received its turn in the restoration shop using AoSRH part-timers and volunteers to do the work on a time-available basis. They came through again with a wonderful looking revitalization of the 1954-built product. Our flatcar was meticulously hand-sanded and prepared for the final painting with a heavy coat of olive drab. Replacing the original wood decking was discussed, but we decided to retain the beat-up lumber as it added to the heavily-used look of the car. This decking may be replaced in the future. All stencils and logos were hand-cut to the original design, and meticulously painted by hand.
Mentioned in the Summer 2016 Roundhouse Report was our acquisition and rebuilding of a retired sanding tower from the Akron, Canton & Youngstown engine facility in Akron, Ohio. This tower was sand-blasted and painted, and had missing parts fabricated and applied. During July 2016 it was completed and set up between our Ash Pit Track and Turntable Lead. Directly across the track from the tower we began construction on an all-new sand house and sand storage area, which will be completed this year. A conveyor belt will be installed to load coal into loco tenders;at $1M and $2M, respectively, wooden or concrete coaling towers would be too expensive.
Each year we like to add unique railroad items to the Age of Steam Roundhouse facility, not only rail-bound equipment, but also wayside items, as well. The latest such addition is an Erie-Lackawanna Wig-Wag grade crossing signal. This signal is under restoration by the shop crew, and was installed just as the first snow flew this winter. It is fully operational and protects the road crossing leading to the AoSRH depot-office building. This signal was used in Ohio, but we do not know the exact location where it spent its career. The addition of the top, mast-mounted bell was done by us, using an old Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway crossing bell from the nearby village of Baltic. We are finishing restoration of the original crossbuck warning signs, using the “Cat’s Eye” type of clear-glass, marble reflectors. These will be installed this spring as the final touch of this rebuild.
The filling of the storehouse has been an ongoing project that will continue as time permits. Most of the boxcars that we had been using for storage during the past 28 years finally have been unloaded. Inventory removed from the cars is being sorted, organized and transferred into its respective storage locations inside the storehouse. This sorting allows the disposal of those items deemed neither usable nor collectable.
This year proved to be the busiest one to date here at the Age of Steam Roundhouse. Not only were many steam locomotive and diesel parts and support items acquired, but also rail equipment in the form of steam locomotives, passenger and freight equipment found new homes here at AoSRH. Productivity increased, utilizing our small staff of employees and volunteers in order to meet this continuing challenge of our ever-growing work load. The following is a brief recap of the events that occurred during 2015:
Woodward Iron 2-10-0 No.41
Our soon-to-be-delivered Woodward Iron 2-10-0 No.41 (formerly Alabama, Tennessee & Northern No.401) is en route from Chicago to Sugarcreek as this is being written. During 1928 AT&N ordered from Baldwin Locomotive Works this light 2-10-0 Decapod-type steamer. Decapods were larger and produced more tractive effort than 2-8-0s and smaller 2-8-2s, but spread their increased weight over five driving axles instead of four, thus reducing axle loads.
Because of World War II’s sudden and enormous increase in the volume of rail traffic moving through the Port of Mobile, the War Production Board authorized AT&N to purchase diesel locomotives and be completely dieselized by 1946. During that year AT&N 2-10-0 No.401 (BLW serial #60341) was sold to the Georgia Car & Locomotive Company (a dealer in used railroad rolling stock), and resold in 1948 to the Woodward Iron Company which renumbered it as No.41. The loco was retired in 1959, and in 1964 was purchased by the Mid-Continent Railway Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin. Plans to rebuild it never materialized, and the museum determined that it no longer needed nor wanted this loco. No.41 was sold to Jerry Jacobson at auction during May 2015, and moved by highway truck and railroad flatcar to the Age of Steam Roundhouse during December 2015.
Cuban Compressed Air 0-4-0 No.1 During 1915 our 0-4-0 three-tank, compressed air locomotive was constructed by H.K. Porter in Pittsburgh as the first such air engine used in the sugar cane fields of Cuba. Needing no fire, producing no sparks and exhausting no fumes, these locos were perfect for use at flammable and explosive installations such as oil refineries, military arsenals, underground mines, textile mills, cotton wharves and sugar cane fields. They were forerunners of the highly successful, fireless cooker-type steam locomotives that would later dominate this niche market.
This is one of the largest, three-tank compressed air locomotives ever designed for extended outdoor use with heavier loads. During normal operation this air locomotive’s three storage tanks were charged with compressed air to 800 psi; a distribution valve maintained constant 250 psi delivery to the high pressure cylinder. This is a true compound locomotive in that the used air was exhausted from the left side high-pressure cylinder and piped to the right side low-pressure cylinder where that same air was reused at 75 psi to produce a little additional power. During regular service this locomotive produced 10,000 pounds of tractive effort and weighed 30,000 pounds.
Several years after the Cuban sugar cane industry went bust during 1921, this locomotive was repatriated back to the U.S. by the same company that had ordered it from Porter. The 0-4-0 worked for the remainder of its active career at the New Orleans Water & Sewerage Board, and after being retired was saved and displayed in the Big Easy. Delivered to the Age of Steam Roundhouse on November 10, 2015, this ungainly, unusual little loco is believed to be the sole remaining, Porter-built, three-tank compressed air locomotive in the world.
Kettle Moraine 2-6-2 No.9
During 1901 McCloud River RR turned to Baldwin for a pair of 2-6-2s. Carrying boiler serial #18596, steamer No.9 operated through the forests of northern California. It burned wood which was in abundant supply, but wood-burning boilers had several drawbacks—fiery embers, mostly—so during 1920 No.9 was converted to burn oil. This 2-6-2 was sold and resold to several short lines, and, after retirement No.9 sat derelict until 1964 when it was purchased by the Mid-Continent Railroad Museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin.
During the summer of 1971 the new Kettle Moraine steam tourist railroad began operations in North Lake, Wisconsin, and No.9 (nicknamed Sequoia) was moved there as the tourist line’s primary steamer. This tourist line would become an unfortunate victim of real estate development of former farm land. New residents complained about smoke, noise and tourist traffic, and the quaint steam train was no longer wanted in the upscale village—October 28, 2001, was the last day of operation. No.9 was stored safely indoors for 14 years, purchased by Jerry Jacobson, and was delivered to the Age of Steam Roundhouse in on August 25, 2015.
On July 1, 2015, ex-Sturm & Dillard 0-6-0 No.105 arrived at the Age of Steam Roundhouse via highway truck from its long-time home in nearby Orrville, Ohio. This locomotive had been owned by a long-time friend of Jerry
Jacobson and others of us at AoSRH, and we have happy memories of operating No.105 under its own steam and, later,compressed air power after the 0-6-0 lost boiler certification. There is a sentimental connection between No.105 and its many admirers here at AoSRH, and, when this locomotive became available through the terms of a complicated estate sale, this 0-6-0 was acquired by Jerry Jacobson.
No.105 was apparently constructed by Baldwin Locomotive Works in January 1917, carrying boiler #44886. It was numbered 51 as one of four 0-6-0s (Nos.51 to 54) built for John Marsh, Inc., a railroad contractor. Other details are sketchy. This is the fourth 0-6-0 acquired by Jerry for the Age of Steam Roundhouse, and there are no plans to rebuild No.105 for operation.
U.S. Army Transportation Corps “G.I.” 2-8-0 No.2630 On May 13, 2015, the Age of Steam Roundhouse acquired its 14th steam locomotive, former United States Army Transportation Corps “G.I.” 2-8-0 No.2630 (Baldwin, 1923). This is one of 2,120 standard design, 2-8-0s constructed during World War II by U.S. locomotive builders Alco, Baldwin and Lima for use all around the globe. These small-but-mighty 2-8-0s were designed with a compact loading gauge for use on British railways so that they would fit through low-clearance tunnels, and were light enough for operation just about anywhere.
Immediately given the sobriquet of “Yanks” by thankful, locomotive-starved Brits, about 800 of these 2-8-0s were placed into service on British rails during the first years of the war, with nearly all being sent across the Channel to the European continent after D-Day. Like most military equipment, the Yanks were intended for a short-duration existence of only six-years, but many saw in service in far-flung corners of the world for 3 more decades. Eight G.I. 2-8-0s have been preserved on American soil, and about two-dozen others survive worldwide.
The 2630 was never shipped overseas, but remained stateside and was used for railroad operation and maintenance training at the U.S. Army Transportation School at Ft. Eustis, Va. The 2-8-0 was renumbered 612 in 1954, and remained on active duty at the Ft. Eustis Military Railroad until the end of steam operations there during 1972. Our long-range strategy for this long-retired veteran is that it be restored to its original 1943 military appearance as No. 2630, and called back to active duty. This 2-8-0’s new owner, Jerry Jacobson, himself a veteran of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division, will give this other military veteran a safe bivouac among Age of Steam Roundhouse’s ever growing arsenal of steam.
Our former Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 #1293 received flying colors during its annual inspection conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration. This past summer and fall the shiny black beauty was fired-up and operated several times for some local, special events.
AoSRH chief mechanical officer, Tim Sposato, uses fiber-optic cable to inspect the flues, tubes and other internal components inside the boiler of ex-Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 No.1293 during this locomotive’s annual inspection. As usual, No.1293 was found to be in perfect condition.
Morehead & North Fork 0-6-0 No.12
Shop work continues on 0-6-0 locomotive No.12, albeit slower than we would desire because of our previously-mentioned heavy work load this year. Portions of No.12’s smokebox were repaired or even replaced altogether, as well, thus eliminating several, thin, eroded areas and many drilled-but-no-longer-used bolt holes that had previous uses during No.12’s long career. The 0-6-0’s newly-manufactured smokestack, smokestack base and exhaust nozzle castings were installed in the smokebox. These castings were very well made by a different foundry than the one that we had been using. All of No.12’s ALCO-type, flexible staybolt sleeves are being renewed because the majority show signs of past repairs and/or deterioration, thus requiring that all-new staybolts be installed in order to complete this portion of boiler work.
Restoration of Age of Steam Roundhouse’s Niles quartering machine has been completed. It is permanently mounted in our back shop, leveled and is in full operation. Along with a new platform for the operator, small tooling items for proper cutting will be made this winter. As seen in the accompanying photo, it sits between the tracks of the shop’s two bays, and was recently joined by our newly installed 80-inch wheel lathe whose rebuilding is just beginning.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse’s Lucas horizontal boring mill has been reconditioned and placed in service. It required some rewiring, several new contactors were installed and the limit switches were replaced, as well. We found a few gears inside the mill that had enough wear on their teeth to warrant that new ones be made. This machine will prove its worth in the near future as we have several jobs lined up for it during 2016 that will give it a work out.
The reconditioning of our Putnam 80-inch wheel lathe began in October 2015. Many small component parts have been removed and cleaned, and are receiving repairs. Additional disassembly and rebuilding is planned, with completion of restoration scheduled for 2016. We will be very thorough in our efforts to have a safe and reliable machine for years to come.
The AoSRH general offices “Depot” was officially opened in May 2015. The move of all office equipment and employees from downtown Sugarcreek was completed quickly, as everyone looked forward to enjoying their new accommodations located rear the looming walls of the adjacent roundhouse. The depot contains four offices, employee restroom and kitchenette. A large waiting room and public restrooms complete this beautiful structure. To one side is a bay window with a traditional telegrapher/station agent office, complete with working train order board controls and historic, local railroad artifacts. A paving-brick platform and walkways with concrete curbing surround the depot’s exterior. Gooseneck platform lights decorate the passenger loading area, and a PRR-inspired hairpin fence separates the railroad track from the main entrance driveway. The lighted, fully functional train order semaphore boards (whose positions are changed frequently) add a final touch of realism, giving this structure the look of a classic brick railroad station in an average-size American town.
Our last addition just showed up one day at Thanksgiving time in the form of “Felix”, the new roundhouse cat. He is about 10 weeks old, and has quickly adapted to all of the noise and activity in the shop. Felix is friendly and takes great pleasure in climbing up one’s pant leg for a little attention…and possibly a little treat.
During 2009 AoSRH purchased former W&LE caboose No.0222 at auction, but it would sit for six years in the railroad yard at Minerva, Ohio, because of being blocked-in by dozens of stored pieces rolling stock. That equipment was finally moved out of the way, and a special AoSRH train hauled No.0222 up to its new home in Sugarcreek on August 4, 2015. Almost immediately restoration began, with much interior woodwork being done, including replacing many old window frames and flooring. The caboose’s interior was repainted, and seating upholstery renewed. Longtime friend Gary Busby donated an electric W&LE caboose lamp that was quickly installed on the wall above the conductor’s work desk. The car’s exterior received a sandblasting and new coat of red paint (complete with black roof, black steps and black handrails), thus replicating No.0222’s original appearance when completed on May 28, 1949, at W&LE’s Ironville car shop in Toledo. The caboose’s W&LE lettering had not yet been applied when we placed No.0222 in temporary service as the Age of Steam Roundhouse’s “Christmas Caboose” display beside our new Depot.
The crew and volunteers at Age of Steam Roundhouse fired-up our ex-Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 No.1293, and posed for a photo on the turntable in order to send Christmas greetings to you. Seated, left to right: Jerry Joe Jacobson, Dennis Daughterty, Jeff Williams, Greg “Q-Tip” Miller, Bill Hanslik, Mike Costill, Tim Sposato, Scott Czigans, Allen Layman, Barry Fogle, Jay Jacobson. Standing on turntable: John B. Corns, Bill Goslin. Photo by: Debbie Compton.
The Age of Steam Roundhouse staff wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year during 2016. Please remember all of the men and women who are in the service of our great country in all locations around the world, fighting and guarding us so that we are able to live the free life that sometimes might be taken for granted. Thank them for what they do for us and for the United States of America, the greatest country on our planet!!!
The summer months are now upon us as we take a look back during the first six months of 2016 to see the progress and upgrades that have occurred here at the Age of Steam Roundhouse.
Former Morehead & North Fork #12 continues to receive repairs toward a complete restoration of this 1905 ex-Southern Railway 0-6-0. Smaller repairs not immediately necessary were attended to, thus ensuring overall reliability in the long run. An all-new tender tank was fabricated and re-installed on top of the totally rebuilt tender frame and refurbished railroad trucks. New wood decking was applied to the frame and the tender’s air brake system—including piping, brackets and brake cylinder—was renewed. The entire tender was sprayed with high quality primer, and will be painted in its final coat of gloss black at a later date. A completely rewired and restored tender back-up light was applied.
The ultra-sounding of #12’s boiler was completed, and calculations for creating the new Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) “Form 4” are being compiled at this time. Some minor boiler repairs were needed, most of which have been addressed. The next step will be the installation of three-hundred, new, 2-inch boiler tubes later this year.
Our ex-Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 #1293 received its annual FRA inspection during April, passed with flying colors and was approved for another year of steam operations. Inspections and fine-tuning of several of #1293’s appliances were completed, including the Nathan mechanical lubricator and 8-1/2-inch Westinghouse cross-compound air compressor. Several small running repairs were also accomplished.
We received long-awaited components for ex-LS&I 2-8-0 #33’s boiler work, and are gearing-up to complete fabrication of the locomotive’s new crown sheet and Nicholson Thermic Syphons. Several long delays have plagued this project while waiting for the proper, high-quality materials to be delivered and pass inspection, but we are now moving forward toward completing this steamer’s repairs as soon as possible.
When it arrived in Sugarcreek last December, 2-10-0 #401 (ex-Alabama Tennessee & Northern, later, Woodward Iron #41) was not a pretty sight. However, in spite of its five-plus decades of outdoor storage we managed to descale the overall, heavy accumulation of rust and dig-out numerous spotty layers of built-up, dried-out grease, especially in the cylinders and smokebox areas. New, wooden planks were applied to the footboard pilot and at the rear of the tender, replacing the rotted and missing ones that were on the engine. The re-application of a headlight, bell, class lights, lubricators and other appliances greatly improved #401’s “front-end” looks, but much more cosmetic work will be needed in order to get this fine locomotive looking great again.
The very rare and even more unusual compressed air locomotive #1 that arrived here last year also got a quick face-lift before being placed into the roundhouse. The entire 0-4-0 was repainted gloss-black, and new cab windows were fabricated and installed. Several key components—particularly the two sand boxes—are still being searched for down in New Orleans where #1 was located since being repatriated from Cuba during the mid-1920s. Replacements for parts long missing from the engine were located and installed, including a Porter locomotive bell and an oil headlight that added much toward the appearance of this unique loco. Mechanically, axles and driving rods were cleaned and fresh lubrication added so that #1 can be moved on its own wheels.
Working with the Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway allowed the AoSRH to take ownership of a small sand tower that was apparently shop-built by the Akron Canton & Youngstown Railroad at its Brittain Yard. This tower stood unused for the past 25-plus years, and has the correct steam-era appearance that we had been looking for. AoSRH employees dismantled the tower, and moved it to our back shop for rehabilitation. This work included making and installing the missing sand-filling pipe and engine delivery pipe, and replacing the long-disappeared counter-weight system. Several small repairs to the compressed air operating system were completed, and the entire structure will be repainted when all repairs are finished. The concrete foundation was formed and has already been poured. We hope to have the tower standing and back in service by July.
Work continues on the 80-inch Putnam wheel lathe as we inch closer to the final stages of this total rebuild. Most critical components have been repaired or renewed, and re-assembly is well underway. The lathe will utilize a completely new, state-of-the-art electrical system and controls, and a new electrical enclosure is being fabricated for installation.. Currently, the tracer system and tooling are being addressed for purchase. This project should be pretty well wrapped up by year’s-end, based on just how much spare time we can continue devoting to it.
We are always looking to add those small—but interesting—details to the AoSRH facility. One of these fun details is a pair of newly-rebuilt, Baltimore & Ohio color position light (CPL) signals that now adorn the front entrance to the roundhouse complex. These were restored here early this year using steam engine-era masts, signal lights and finials. All-new wiring and signal gear allow them to automatically cycle into all four indications—Clear (vertical green), Approach (diagonal yellow), Stop (horizontal red) and Restricting (diagonal lunar white). AoSRH employees may also manually control our CPL signals to any desired indication. These lights are real eye-catchers when approaching AoSRH, and can be seen from three different roadway directions.
Not neglecting the diesel side of AoSRH, we have done some minor work on several of our internal combustion locomotives. Our two EMD FP40s, #452 and #460, were inspected, repaired, leased and returned to freight service from dead storage. These engines were sent to the Ohi-Rail Corporation here in Ohio, and put back into freight service. These engines pulled their fair share of tonnage during their days on the Ohio Central Railroad System, and still have plenty of life left in them.
The Age of Steam crew thanks all of the wonderful folks who have contacted or visited us during the past year. We truly appreciate the many compliments that you all have given us as we strive to create an accurate representation of the days of the steam locomotive. Your input and comments inspire us to try our best to make this the ultimate steam facility for the future.
We wish to thank all of the veterans and current service men and women for all they have done and continue to do for this great country that we live in. Without these brave patriots, we could never enjoy so many freedoms that far too many Americans have taken for granted.
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE CURRENTLY SERVING—OR WHO HAVE ALREADY SERVED—IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY—NAVY—-AIR FORCE—-MARINES—-COAST GUARD.
