STRASBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) has announced plans for the construction of a 16,000-square-foot, six-stall roundhouse at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. Designed to provide essential storage and protection for historic steam locomotives, the new facility aims to enhance conservation efforts and elevate the museum experience for visitors.
The roundhouse will safeguard six significant locomotives from the Pennsylvania Railroad era, shielding them from weather-related deterioration and ensuring their preservation for future generations. Among the locomotives to be housed in the structure are:
- M1b No. 6755, a 4-8-2 “Mountain” type steam locomotive constructed in 1930
- K4s No. 3750, a 4-6-2 “Pacific” type steam locomotive, built in 1920 and designated as Pennsylvania’s official state locomotive
- L1s No. 520, a 2-8-2 “Mikado” type steam engine from 1916
- E6s No. 460, a 4-4-2 “Atlantic” type renowned for its 1914 construction
- H10s No. 7688, a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” type locomotive dating back to 1915
- B6sb No. 1670, a 0-6-0 switching engine built in 1916
Beyond its protective function, the roundhouse will allow visitors to view these engineering marvels up close while learning about their roles in shaping Pennsylvania’s industrial and economic development during the height of the steam era. Museum officials have emphasized the structure’s role in interpreting the evolution of steam engine technology and its broader significance to the state’s transportation history.
The roundhouse design draws inspiration from the late-1920s roundhouse of the Reading Company in Cressona, Pennsylvania. Its fan-shaped layout, chosen to maximize storage while accommodating space constraints at the museum, will feature a combination of modern and traditional materials such as brick, steel, and glass. Additionally, a clerestory-style roof will provide ample natural lighting, contributing to a more energy-efficient facility. The project will also include a renovated turntable to maintain historical authenticity and functionality.
Funded as part of a Commonwealth capital project, the roundhouse will be constructed under the direction of the Department of General Services. According to PHMC officials, construction is scheduled to commence later this year, with the facility expected to open in 2026. The completion date coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, making it a fitting tribute to the nation’s rich industrial heritage. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place once the bidding process for contractors is finalized.
“The proposed roundhouse offers a remarkable opportunity to both preserve and share Pennsylvania’s railroad legacy,” a PHMC representative noted. “Through a blend of historical reverence and modern innovation, we are ensuring that the story of these locomotives—and the people who operated them—is not forgotten.”
This new addition to the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania highlights the state’s commitment to safeguarding its railroad heritage. By offering a dedicated and protective space for these iconic machines, the project ensures their enduring presence as symbols of Pennsylvania’s leadership in the age of railroads. Upon its completion, the roundhouse will stand as a beacon of industrial history, inviting generations to explore and appreciate the golden era of steam-powered transportation.
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