Historic steam locomotive debute kicks off city-wide historic preservation week celebration

Sioux City, IA – After twenty-five years of pain-staking historic preservation work and a lot of passion and tenacity, Sioux City’s landmark steam locomotive No. 1355 will be the highlight of a public display at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District this Saturday, May 2, 2009. The outdoor public display, celebrating historic preservation work, is in conjunction with the city-wide Historic Preservation Week celebration and will run from 10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

“We are proud to finally have the opportunity to say the restoration of Sioux City’s landmark steam locomotive is nearly complete,” said Jon Wagoner, president of the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association. “With the restoration effort, 98 percent complete except for some minor details, we are excited to have this opportunity to formally return this locomotive back to its role as a historic landmark for our community.”

The locomotive sports the Great Northern Railway heritage paint scheme known as Glacier Green. The unique paint scheme incorporates graphic elements such as a green-painted boiler, black-painted cab trimmed with a red roof, and a graphite-color smoke box. The locomotive features a white lettering style with the railroad’s heritage logo. This historic paint scheme was applied to locomotives that were used in passenger service pulling trains to Glacier National Park.

In addition to the graphic designs, the steam locomotive also sports a restored headlight, bell, whistle, and classification lights. The interior of the cab is also restored with many of the old gauges and valves that were used to measure steam pressure and water levels in the boiler.

Steam Locomotive No. 1355, also known as “Ironhorse,” is returning to public display after a twenty-five year extensive overhaul of the locomotive’s mechanical parts and interior boiler. The overhaul began in 1984, when the locomotive was removed from public display next to the Municipal Auditorium. The locomotive was donated to the City of Sioux City in 1955 for display as a landmark acknowledging the community’s railroad heritage. The outdoor display lasted twenty-nine years, causing major deterioration to the iron and steel the locomotive is built out of. The weather also damaged the interior firebox, boiler tubes and steam cylinders due to water seeping into the internal chambers. The overhaul involved hundreds of thousands of volunteer labor, and included extensive overhauls of the firebox, steam appliances, and steam chest, as well as the replacement of stay rods, boiler tubes, outer boiler jacketing, and steam and electrical piping. The locomotive’s tender was completely rebuilt as well.

Originally a high-speed passenger locomotive, the steam locomotive was built for the Great Northern Railway in 1909 and rebuilt in 1924. The locomotive pulled such widely known trains as the Pacific Fast Mail, Oriental Limited, and Empire Builder. The locomotive was also used in the later years of steam to pull freight trains and ore trains in the Iron Range. The locomotive’s train service ended in 1955 when it was donated to the City of Sioux City.

The steam locomotive is listed nationally-significant on the National Register of Historic Places and is designated an official project of the federal Save America’s Treasures program for its industrial heritage and technology. The steam locomotive will be permanently displayed in the roundhouse building at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District. The public will be able to have access to the locomotive during the railroad museum’s normal operating hours. Special stairs have been built to allow the public access.

In addition to the steam locomotive’s public display, the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association will be offering guided and self-guided tours of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, motor cars rides, and displays of railroad artifacts. Volunteers will be on hand to discuss the upcoming historic preservation projects scheduled to begin mid-summer, including the rebuilding of the machine shop building. Dr. Daniels’ new book on Sioux City railroad history will be available for purchase in the historic district’s gift shop.

The locomotive display will also commemorate the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association’s 25th anniversary. The organization was founded in 1984 by the late railroad conductor, Larry Obermeyer, and group of volunteer community members who saw a need to preserve and promote the preservation of railroad history. On Saturday, the public will have the opportunity to meet and greet volunteers who have labored tirelessly over the years to reclaim the Milwaukee Railroad Shops from being a dilapidated junk yard to the park-like historic district it is today. Wagoner points out that there are several volunteers who have been with the organization for the full 25 years. He estimates over the 25 years that a hundred volunteers have collectively contributed over 250,000 hours of labor. “It’s not uncommon for many of our volunteers to devote more than 10 hours a week to our projects,” adds Wagoner.

The Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District is located along the Loess Hills National Scenic Byway, State Highway 12, in the north Riverside neighborhood of Sioux City. The historic district is located between the Big Sioux River and the Loess Hills Bluffs, approximately 2 miles south of Stone State Park.

RML Architects selected for design and engineering work

The City Council for the City of Sioux City last week approved awarding a contract to RML Architects for design and engineering work for the new model railroad/civil engineering exhibit building and the rehabilitation of the machine shop building. The scope of work involves the design of the new building that will be constructed for the displaying of the Nebraska Centeral Railway exhibit and related civil engineering artifacts. RML Architects will sketch out the construction documents and blueprints that will govern the historic preservation work on the machine shop building. This building will undergo a complete rehabilitation to the building envelope that includes the reconstruction of the roof, windows, and doors. Other historic preservation work will center on tuckpointing the brick masonry. A ground breaking for this next phase of historic preservation work is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2009 at 2:00 p.m.

RML Architects has previously performed design and engineering work on the roundhouse building and wood sand tower. The firm has also helped with the development of the overall site redevelopment plan. The City of Sioux City serves as the project's public sponsor and fiscal agent.

Major funding for the historic preservation work and new building construction is provided by competitive grants awarded through the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation; Vision Iowa Community Attractions and Tourism Program administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development; State Historic Sites Preservation Grant Program administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Economic Development Grant Program administered by the Loess Hills Alliance. Other funding is provided by individual and corporate contributions, as well as special grants awarded by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors and the City of Sioux City.

Volunteers enroll in SHRA training program

Two volunteers have enrolled in the locomotive and train service training program provided by the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association. Odell Overgaard and Shawn Sypersma began their training on Saturday, 11 April 2009, with an introduction to safety rules, hand signals and locomotive operations, including coupling to and pulling freight cars and cabooses. The two students were able to operate the SHRA's GE 45-ton diesel locomotive. The training was conducted under the supervision of Matt Merk and Ken Brown, SHRA training instructors. As part of their training program, both Odell and Shawn will receive training on motor car operations. The students also receive training in book of rules and general operating rules.

Once Odell and Shawn complete their training they will be able to serve as engineers and trainmen within the railyard of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District. Train service personnel are responsible for the movement of locomotives and rolling stock within the historic district. Most often they are engaged with moving locomotive and rolling stock in and out of the roundhouse building for either exhibition or exhibit work. Train service personnel are also responsible for the operation of the motor car excursion ride.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering in train service, please contact the SHRA via e-mail: shra@cableone.net with the subject line: interested in train service.

Virtual Construction Hard Hat Tour - Roundhouse Bay 1

During summer and fall 2008, Holtze Construction Company and its subcontractors undertook the reconstruction of the two-level bay 1 area in the roundhouse building. Before Holtze Construction began the rebuilding process, volunteers demolished the two floors that once comprised the roundhouse locker rooms (upstairs) and office and workshops (lower level). The demolish took approximately two months to complete. Wood rot and termites had taken their tole on the structural integrity of bay 1, which made it necessary to rebuild the area.

At present, Holtze Construction is completing the punch list of minor items that need to be completed. The total cost of reconstruction was nearly $500,000. The scope of work included the rebuild of the structural components that form the two level area, installation of HVAC systems, and the installation of electrical and lighting systems. The construction engineering and design was performed by RML Architects. The City of Sioux City was the public project manager for the federal statewide transportation enhancement grant.

As a result of the reconstruction, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District now has a visitor welcoming atrium, gift shop gallery, exhibit gallery, volunteer training area and conference room, library and archival storage area, and an administrative center. This new construction now allows the Association to consolidate all its records and archives that have been in storage.

This is our first attempt at producing a virtual video/slide show tour for you. We would welcome any suggestions on how to improve our videos. Please send any suggestions to shra@cableone.net

Rare Union Pacific terracotta shield donated for exhibit

The Union Pacific Railroad, based in Omaha, NE, has gifted to the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (SHRA) a rare terracotta tile with its 1914 to 1932 era corporate logo. The terracotta shield is on display with the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District collection of railroad artifacts.

Measuring approximately four foot by four foot, the terra cotta tile weights nearly 1200 pounds and was transported to Sioux City via a car trailer. The terra cotta shield is undergoing restoration and can be seen on display in the Union Pacific Gallery at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.

“The Union Pacific System terracotta shield is an object of high historical and architectural significance” said Jon Wagoner, SHRA president. “The addition of this artifact to our museum collection will help us to explain the architectural heritage of the railroad industry.”

According to Wagoner, the Union Pacific terracotta shield is one of four such tiles that were incorporated in the design and architecture of a passenger station in California. The exact location of the station is unknown. Wagoner states SHRA volunteers are researching the heritage of the terracotta tile to incorporate the information in an interpretive exhibit that will accompany the shield.

SHRA receives major gift from Union Pacific Railroad

The Siouxland Historical Railroad Association (SHRA) announced today a gift of $15,000 from the Union Pacific Foundation for the reconstruction of roundhouse bay 1 as part of the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District preservation project in Sioux City. The gift from the Union Pacific Railroad is the largest corporate gift to the SHRA. In recognition of the contribution, the newly constructed roundhouse bay 1 exhibit area will be named the Union Pacific Gallery.

“The gift is a generous contribution from the Union Pacific Railroad,” SHRA president Jon Wagoner said. “The contribution demonstrates the Union Pacific’s commitment to commemorate and educated the public on North American railroad history and the science and technology associated with the industry.”

According to Wagoner, the Union Pacific contribution was made on behalf of past, present and future employees of the railroad and their families. During a recent ceremony held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District, Sioux City Mayor Mike Hobart accepted the contribution from Brenda Mainwaring, director of public affairs for the Union Pacific Railroad. Others participating in the gift acceptance ceremony were representatives from the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, City of Sioux City, Siouxland Historical Railroad Association, and the Union Pacific’s operating department. Approximately 15 individuals attended the awards ceremony that was held at the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District.

Built in 1917, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops are being renovated for reuse as a railroad science and industrial heritage museum. This historic preservation project is a collaborative effort between the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association and the City of Sioux City. The City of Sioux City acts as public sponsor and project administrator for many of the federal statewide transportation enhancement funds the SHRA has secured through competitive grant cycles. The gift from the Union Pacific Foundation serves as matching funds for a federal statewide grant that is funding 70 percent of the total estimated cost of $426,000 to renovate and rebuild bay 1 of the roundhouse buildings.

The Union Pacific Foundation is the primary philanthropic arm of Union Pacific Corporation. The Foundation has distributed funds since 1959 to qualified organizations in communities served by Union Pacific. The Foundation is not endowed, but is funded each year from the operating profits of Union Pacific Corporation.

Union Pacific Corporation owns one of America’s leading transportation companies. Its principal operating company, Union Pacific Railroad, links 23 states in the western two-thirds of the country and serves the fastest-growing U.S. population centers. Union Pacific’s diversified business mix includes Agricultural Products, Automotive, Chemicals, Energy, Industrial Products and Intermodal. The railroad offers competitive long-haul routes from all major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways. Union Pacific connects with Canada’s rail systems and is the only railroad serving all six major gateways to Mexico, making it North America’s premier rail franchise.

Photo Caption: Union Pacific Grant Award Ceremony.

Left to right: Teresa Rosenboom, Director of Government Relations, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce; Barbara Sloniker, Vice President of Government Relations & Transportation, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce; Larry Obermeyer, Siouxland Historical Railroad Association; Mike Hobart, Mayor, City of Sioux City; Brenda Mainwaring, Director - Public Affairs IA NE, Union Pacific Railroad; Representative, Sioux City Railroad Operating Department, Union Pacific Railroad; Jill Wanderscheid, Transportation Planner, City of Sioux City; and Paul Barnes, Planner, City of Sioux City.

Machine Shop Clean-up Begins

One of winter's last blasts of cold temparatures, snow and ice did not slow volunteers on Saturday, March 7, 2009. SHRA volunteers are beginning the process of cleaning out the debris and wood rot from the machine shop building in preparation of the major reconstruction that will take place in Fall 2009 and Spring 2010. The cleanup is necessary to allow the architectural and structural engineering firms access to the building for measuring the building for design plans and testing the structural integrity of the building to determine the amount of restoration work that will need to take place.

As a result of the historic preservation work and reconstruction effort, the Milwaukee Railroad Shops Historic District will redevelop the machine shop as the MRHD Industrial Heritage Museum. The building will house an exhibit featuring a circa 1890s Corliss Stationary Steam Engine, a Frick refrigeration compressor, and a Worthington refrigeration compressor. The steam engine and compressors will be the largest surviving artifacts from the KD Station, former Swift packing plant, which is scheduled for demolition this summer. Efforts are underway to salvage the steam engine and compressors for transport to the Milwaukee Railroad Shops. The additional space in the machine shop building will be used for the display of large railroad equipment used by the different divisions of the railroad. For example, track building equipment may be displayed.

Major funding for the reconstruction of the machine shop building is being provided through grants from the Federal Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program administered by the Iowa Department of Transportation, Vision Iowa Community Attractions and Tourism Program administered by the Iowa Department of Economic Development, Historic Sites Preservation Program administered by the State Historical Society of Iowa, and an Economic Development Grant administered by the Woodbury County Board of Supervisors. Additional fundings is coming from individual donations. The SHRA needs to raise an additional $50,000. The total reconstruction project is estimated at $750,000.