Here’s where you can see what’s happening with the construction for ORHF’s Enginehouse & Rail Heritage Center. Each month we will post updates and photos about latest the construction progress.
Click here to read all about the new Enginehouse.
Most Recent Updates
Enginehouse Update – July & August
September 7, 2012 11:51 amTrack Work at the Enginehouse
Prepping the Big Doors for the Enginehouse
Installing the Big Doors
After all the ties and rail had been sorted at the site, the volunteer track crew started laying track in July. Ballast was laid on the graded ground, followed by ties spaced and more ballast tamped between the ties. Despite temperatures in the 90′s, the crew worked nearly every weekend to finish the two passenger car storage tracks and a lead out the south end. The crew laid a total of a 200′ linear feet.
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Prepping the Big Doors for the Enginehouse
In July the Roundhouse doors under restoration in the temporary shelter at the roundhouse needed to be moved to a warehouse near the Enginehouse. Two other hand-built replica pairs followed to the warehouse as each set was ready to hang. At the same time other volunteers machined and drilled holes in the 3′ long steel hinge straps.
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In late July the first pair of doors was ready to be hung on the south side of the Enginehouse. Each 7’6” x18’ Douglas fir leaf weighing 600 pounds was moved on a cart three blocks to the Enginehouse. Scissor lifts on either side of the door stabilized its careful placement. The crew then drilled bolts through the hinge straps to the plates. The same process was repeated for the two pairs of hand-built “replica” doors installed on the north side in late August.
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Enginehouse Update – Early July
July 3, 2012 7:04 pmPacking Up at the Roundhouse
Installing Enginehouse Steel Siding & Roof
Last Spin on the Turntable
Making the Big Move
Packing Up at the Roundhouse
Restoration of the only salvageable original roundhouse doors started in April when the pair was removed to a temporary shelter adjacent to the building. Volunteers restored each surface of the two 7’6” x18’ Douglas fir doors. Two pairs of handmade “replica” doors will be installed along with the original in July.
As supplies and equipment were hauled to the new site volunteer machinists and welders fabricated parts for locomotives and the drop table. The RSD-5 switch engine was washed and its numbers were retouched with new paint.
Installing Enginehouse Steel Siding & Roof
After the metal frame was up, the building fabrication crew added corrugated steel siding to each exterior surface. Insulation, electrical wiring and framing for conditioned spaces were put in. The roof installation was last. In the next few weeks, overhead wiring, ducting, office/meeting spaces and the mechanical room will be put together. Translucent panels will cover the upper part of the exterior.
Last Spin on the Turntable
On June 26th locomotive crews arrived before 6am to prepare for the logistically complex and momentous process to move the locomotives and remaining rolling stock from the roundhouse. The Nickel Plate RSD-5 switch engine provided the only motive power to pull the four other locomotives and 4 cars.
For the last time each locomotive ventured on to the turntable and spun 180o to face southward in a specific order.
After the consist (including rolling stock) was put together on the south lead track, air brake hoses were connected and a final inspection done. The train was dispatched to proceed north about 1:25pm traveling at about 10mph. The steam locomotives were pulled backward during the move so they would end up facing south in the Enginehouse.
Making the Big Move
Late May – Completing the Frame
June 4, 2012 10:43 am
The frame components were completed by May 25. Two tracks enter the building: the west track includes a drop pit and table. The east track will continue through the building to the property’s south side. Wood roundhouse doors will be installed in the large frames on the north and south walls.
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In mid May the struts and trusses were assembled for the roof. The roof’s angle is meant to recall that of the roundhouse. It will also offer a dramatic entrance to the enginehouse.
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Early May: Erecting the Enginehouse
May 11, 2012 3:37 pm
In late April the concrete floor slabs, drop table and pit areas were complete and cured. On May 7th, the erector crew started assembling the Enginehouse frame. These photos show quick progress in just a few days.
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Mid April: Enginehouse Slab Pours
April 24, 2012 1:02 pm
The south end of the Enginehouse concrete slab was poured in three separate segments. Because pouring required dry weather, some were completed in the middle of the night.
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After the concrete set up, crews fitted special forms to shape the flangeways between the rails.
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