Field Trip: The Age of Steam Roundhouse - Part 1 of 3

Click on each image for a closer look!
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While we have not as yet visited this operation, it is timely that we make a virtual visit to this rapidly evolving "operating steam railway museum" which is only a six hour drive from Roundhouse Park here in Toronto.
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Some says that in an era where it is difficult to operate restored large steam locomotives on today's mainline railways Jerry Joe Jacobson solved that problem by buying his own railroad, the Ohio Central Railroad System (OCRS). It is true that he does own a significant vintage railway train collection that was part of this system and he even ran some of them occasionally in freight service. Here is some fascinating information on the current status of that vintage railway collection as found on the Age of Steam Roundhouse website:
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"Prior to October 1, 2008, we were the steam locomotive and passenger train restoration and operating unit of the Ohio Central Railroad System. The railroad was owned by Jerry Joe Jacobson. We posted photos and information about our steam activities onto the Internet via our former web site, ocsteam.com. That now-defunct site has been vacated for our new name and this new web site.
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Effective October 1, 2008, Jerry sold his entire freight railroad interest in OCRS to Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. Included in that transfer were the ten, separate and individual railroads that comprised the greater OCRS, all track, property, modern diesel locomotives, freight cars, the Morgan Run Shop, and all other depots and structures. The control and day-to-day operation of OCRS leased railroads – for example, the ex-PRR Panhandle Line which is still owned by the State of Ohio and the Mt. Vernon-Newark-Zanesville-Cambridge line which is still owned by CSX Transportation – were assigned to G&W with the permission of the owners of these leased lines. . Based on OCRS’s low operating ratio, yearly growth and continuing profitability, it had become a prime candidate for a friendly takeover by a larger railroad. Negotiations were held with several railroads, but G&W got the nod to add the 525-mile OCRS to its list of 53 other short line railroads. However, Jerry retained ownership of all ten of his beloved steam locomotives, 22 old diesels, twelve heavyweight and twelve lightweight passenger cars, and the depot at Sugarcreek, Ohio. . Here (on their website) we will keep you up to date on the construction of our brand new, 15-stall, brick roundhouse, 115-foot turntable and all-new back shop in which we shall house and maintain Jerry’s roster of venerable old railroad equipment. This web site will also display photos, news and information about our activities in the acquisition, restoration and operation of the steam locomotives, historic diesels and vintage passenger cars in the Jerry Joe Jacobson collection."
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Progress in the past year on the development of their facility, funded by Jerry and Laura Jacobson, has been spectacular. Compare the photos above and below to see the progress in 12 months. To understand what they have accomplished also read their December, 2010 Status Report by clicking here. Especially intriguing is their building of a 50,000 wood water tank which is shown in one of their series of photos documenting construction. Click here to see these photos.
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Click here to read Part 2 of this TRHA News posting.
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Posting by Russ Milland; Images from the Age of Steam Roundhouse website.
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