"BACK IN TIME"
There are few places throughout the country or even the globe where one steps up and marvels at the wonders of railroading whether it be Horseshoe Curve, Magnolia Cutoff, Tehachapi Loop. This is one of those places
Welcome to the inside of the Mt. Clare Roundhouse completed in 1884 and designed by E. Francis Baldwin and served as the primary Car Shop on a massive campus where many innovations in modern railroads were designed and built.
During the early morning hours of February 17, 2003 the roof suffered a catastrophic failure when it gave way from the weight of heavy drifting snow during an historic snowstorm that hit the region. When daylight arrived, half of the heavy slate, steel frame and snow lay on the roundhouse floor on top many historic railroad pieces.The roof was replaced and opened back to the public in October 2004.
Two of the damaged locomotives are the 2 of you see here. B&O 2-6-0 Mogul #600 JC Davis, built in 1875 won first prize for its attractive design and color scheme during the Nation's Centennial Celebration in Philadelphia. It was retired from service in 1893 and shown at the Fair of the Iron Horse in 1927. In 2012 it became the last locomotive restored from the damage it suffered in the roof collapse.
B&O 4-6-0 147 "Thatcher Perkins was restored in 2010. It was built in 1863 and hauled Union troops during the Civil War. It was retired in 1893 and shown at the Fair of the Iron Horse in 1927.
For this and other photos please visit my site at http://thewrightphotographyofthings.com
