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Recently there have been a lot of negative comments posted on social media regarding MRPS and the ongoing restoration of our light Mikado steam locomotive 4070. Most of these posts come from people that believe the "fake news" of other social platforms and are unaware of the true history. With this article, based on historical research along with interviews of those involved we hope to set the record straight.
4070 was built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in Schenectady, New York in 1918 and went into service for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad in western Michigan. It was originally numbered 474. In the 1930's the locomotive was renumbered 3734 and outside of its' normal service was assigned to be the backup power for President Harry Truman's 1948 re-election campaign train in Michigan. In 1957, the locomotive was renumbered 4070 and its' original tender was replaced with a larger one for longer distance travel. On March 29, 1960, 4070 made its' last revenue run for the GTW.
It was stored in Durand, Michigan and sold for a proposed museum, but never moved. In 1966 it was leased to Midwest Railway Historical Foundation (the predecessor of Midwest Railway Preservation Society) for five years and moved to Chicago where it was restored to service and ran trips to Valparaiso, Indiana. Later, 4070 was stored under The Terminal Tower in Cleveland where Rapid Transit riders reported seeing it as "the Ghost Train". Midwest purchased the locomotive in 1971 and used it to run short trips to Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania and other short excursions. From 1975 to 1985 it was used to run trips through the Cuyahoga Valley on the old B&O right of way. Early trips left from a location near the Cleveland Zoo and ended at Hale Farm.
In 1983, 4070 took a hiatus from the Valley and went on location to Wayland, New York to appear in the movie "The Natural" where it shared top billing with Robert Redford. Another excursion of note that many people still talk about was the trip through Pittsburgh with 2102 to the Horseshoe Curve. One of the side rods was bent during the trip and the steam gods shone down leading the crew to a shop that was open in the middle of the night that was able to perform the necessary repairs. No trips were run from 1986-1987 because CSX had decided to abandon the Valley route. The last runs in the Valley were made from 1988 to 1990 when the locomotive was sidelined with cracks in the piston rings. At that time the restoration began with the removal of the boiler jacket and the insulation. The cylinder liners were cut out and the rods and main drivers (#3) were removed for running gear and bearing inspection.
During its' last few years of operation, maintenance on the venerable old locomotive was somewhat lacking not because of laziness or disinterest, but due to a lack of money. Midwest at the time was locked into a terrible agreement that returned only twenty-five cents for every ticket sold back to the organization. Unfortunately, with so little income, money had to be channeled into overhead costs including rent, utilities and insurance.
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Disassembly of 4070 continued in the roundhouse at a slow pace during the '90's and during that time Midwest was also tied up in litigation which could have impacted ownership of the locomotive. With ownership confirmed, MRPS was left with a large debt for legal fees that resulted in the organization having to sell off most of its' passenger cars to raise money just to pay it off. One of the cars is the Pennsylvania Railroad business car that is connected to The Berea Depot restaurant. Many more were sold to private railroads on the east coast. Operating funds were scarce.
To make matters worse, in 2003 a portion of the roundhouse, stalls 11 through 15, that CSX had leased to a private business had collapsed taking a good portion of the wall between stalls 10 and 11 with it and a large portion of the roof as well. The City of Cleveland subsequently condemned the building. No work was allowed in the building until the conditions that forced the condemnation were rectified. Thus, while 4070 sat inside undercover, work on the locomotive could not move forward.
Midwest, lacking cash assets, was forced to take a personal loan from a member in order to make the required repairs to stalls 1 through 4 of the roundhouse. Repairs were begun in the Spring of 2011 and by the end of July, the work was completed and members were allowed back into the building. The organization then acquired a bank loan for $144,000.00 to shore up the wall of stall 10, fix the roof over stalls 1 through 4, add support bracing to the columns in stalls 6 through 10 as well as scaffolding to support the roof above stalls 6 through 10, a large portion of which had collapsed. Repayment of that bank loan was a huge burden that was just recently paid off.
The only good thing that came of the collapse was that it enabled MRPS to buy the property that included stalls 6 through 15 from CSX and today that belongs to us.
Disassembly of 4070 resumed, slowly at first because while the building was closed, some members lost interest and others, having grown older were unable to physically do the hard work involved in the process. Through the efforts of the project leader, newer members were recruited, many of them younger and eager to take on the hard, dirty work remaining.
Disassembly moved at a good pace. The steam tubes were all removed and the boiler was prepped for the ultrasound test. Test results of the boiler barrel showed that it was relatively trouble free with one small area in need of repair. That area has been fixed. There is a bigger job in store to repair the fire box but work is underway to remove it. A much larger job in store is replacement of the mud ring and a section of the crown sheet. Presently we have insufficient funds and qualified personnel to take on that task. It should be noted that there are local businesses that have come forward to donate materials and labor for parts of the restoration.
There have been a lot of comments regarding the fact that for the last few years the locomotive for the most part has been stored outside. Unfortunately, with only four working stalls in the roundhouse, Midwest has been forced to lease stalls in order to generate income. One long time tenant moved out last year but that stall is currently occupied by the business car "America" while it undergoes repairs and modernizations to get back on the road in private rail excursions. Stall two is leased to American Steam Railroad where they are busy restoring the Reading 2100 steam locomotive. Stalls three and four have been used to do maintenance on our other rail equipment and the occasional outside work to bring in money.
Although 4070 sits outside, work has continued to burn bolts for removal of the smoke box as well as removal of brake rigging. Currently, the cab sits in the machine shop where the rebuilding process is moving along with the help of Lincoln Electric who has plasma cut the side panels for us and has agreed to cut more plates as needed. The tender sits in stall four where it is about to be lifted so the truck assemblies can be removed and replaced with newer heavy duty assemblies with bearing boxes that we have on site. Plans are underway to begin tender restoration using sheet metal that likewise has been donated. Cad drawings are being generated to facilitate the rebuild.
Everything would be a lot easier if we could complete the restoration of stalls 6 through 10. That would provide enough space to give 4070 a permanent stall. Unfortunately, with a lack of funding, money is used on a priority basis with rent, utilities, insurance, etc., coming first followed by maintenance for ancillary equipment and the passenger cars that we lease out for revenue. We have been fortunate enough over the past year to be awarded grants that were earmarked for a specific purpose. We are applying for more this year.
Updates published in the Marker Lights have generated more interest and volunteers are showing up on a regular basis to work on the locomotive. All of the parts are on the premises and their locations being documented for future reference. Enhanced efforts are underway to raise money for the restoration fund and Wednesday work sessions have been reinstituted.
New members and volunteers are always welcome. People with a variety of skill sets are needed in all aspects of the project. Don't just sit back and watch from a distance. It's much more fun to come down and lend a hand. This is an opportunity to make new friends and also work with people of all backgrounds and even learn some new skills along the way. One day 4070 will run again. It is one of the primary goals of our organization. Wouldn't it be great to know that you have been a part of its' resurrection?
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A collection of photographs taken during recent restoration efforts on the cab of 4070. Volunteers have been busy and are making progress as can be seen in the photos.
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Unique Opportunities to Help Restore 4070
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While restoration of the cab is well underway, Midwest is offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of railroad history while also contributing to the 4070 restoration fund. Tongue and groove lumber that lined the interior of the cab has been removed and cut into pieces that are available to anyone donating to the fund. And, on a larger scale, plans are underway to raffle or auction off the two original side panels removed from the cab that are adorned with the locomotive's number.
Stop in at the roundhouse to pick up a chunk of history. Remaining pieces will also be available at the Open House Events. More information on the raffle or auction of the side panels will be printed in future editions of Marker Lights as soon as it is available.
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Double Your Donation With a Generous Match!
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Generous supporters of Midwest Railway Preservation Society have issued a challenge to all members and friends to speed up repairs to the "America" passenger car and bring about its' return to service. The donors, wishing to remain anonymous, have gifted the organization's general fund previously with $5,000.00. This time their generosity is targeting the "America", but they also issue a challenge that can conceivably bring the project to an end. Offering a donation of $7,000.00 upfront, they are challenging all Midwest members and friends to match their total with private donations. The donations must be earmarked for the "America", and if the goal of an additional $7,000.00 is met by September 30th of this year, they will gift another $7,000.00, bringing the overall total to $21,000.00 which is the amount that is estimated to complete the work. The goal could easily be reached if each of our 400 plus members only donated $17.50 a piece. Please pass the word. It would be great if we could attain our goal earlier than required and get the car into revenue service before summer's end.
The initial donation will be used to purchase new appliances and stainless steel cabinetry for the kitchen. Work continues to reroute the wiring and plumbing for the redesigned kitchen arrangement. It was discovered that once we got into it, some previous work was not up to our standards so workers are taking the time to correct the deficiencies.
Walls and woodwork in other areas of the car are still being repaired, after which we will undertake removal of the windows for a thorough cleaning and then reinstall them with new seals. The major work however, remains in the kitchen.
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The ceiling of the "America" kitchen is shown with work underway on rewiring. Upon completion of the work the ceiling will be painted white and a drop ceiling installed.
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Multiple projects were getting attention on a recent Saturday at the roundhouse. There were enough volunteers in attendance that besides the normal 4070 restoration work, crews were formed to accomplish other tasks. Bronze window frames removed from the 4070 cab were undergoing cleaning (above left) while another crew tended to repair and adjustment on one of 123's coupler assemblies (above right). The mild weather enabled progress on running pneumatic piping from the roundhouse into the outdoor shed where we will be moving the air compressor (lower left). Side mirrors were installed on the Plymouth switcher to facilitate yard moves (lower right).
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Membership Renewal Reminder
Last Month we informed readers that membership renewals from now on will be sent via email through the Mailchimp service. Sometimes email servers identify bulk emails as spam and are delivered into your spam folder. Please check your spam folder periodically for any emails from Midwest, and if you do find any they can be identified as "not spam" for future deliveries.
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Monthly Board Meetings
Monthly Board meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month. All members are welcome to attend so mark your calendars and make plans to come down and find out for yourself what goes on behind the scenes.
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All the Bright Places
During the month of October, 2018 a film crew was on site shooting scenes for the movie "All the Bright Places". The film is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix starting Friday February 29th. Common to all movies, some scenes are left on the cutting room floor. If you get the opportunity, check it out and see if Midwest made the cut.
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2019 was another successful year in terms of volunteer participation at the Historic B&O Roundhouse. Our members participated in a wide variety of projects inside, outside and at home that benefited MRPS greatly. A tip of the cap goes to Dale Pietrasz who meticulously compiled the hours over the past year from the sign-in sheets. Please let us know if you notice any errors so they can be corrected.
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Antz, Greg 695
Bartsche, David 414
Bates, Karen 300
Benson, Scott 6
Billey, Mark 400
Boyle, Bob 350
Carson, Brian 8
Chester, Marco 25
Ciparis, Alex 400
Emling, Steve 982
Emling, Martie 226
Forcone, J 149
Gottlieb, Earl 800
Gross, Tom 18
Gruzan, Zachary 37
Hass, Peter 29
Hass, Lee 29
Hershey, Dick 43
Hershey, Loretta 14
Hirzer, Eric 200
Hixenbaugh, B 4
Hollach, Pat 140
Hunt, Colin 32
Hunt, Tom 1046
Kapusta, Eric 61
Karabinus, Mitch 371
Kelley, Lynda 400
Kole, Mike 28
Korpos, Steve 3250
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Kulik, Rich 653
Kulik, Kevin 4
Kurch, Doug 43
Lewarchik, P 42
Mangold, Dave 21
Marconi, Sebastian 165
Marn, John 65
McCown, Ken 871
McCown, John 135
Moron, Sebastian 80
Nash, Jessica 200
O'Brien, Bill 100
Pietrasz, Dale 278
Palidar, Ed 1889
Poherence, Andrew 30
Ramkey, Bud 339
Ramkey, Sue 50
Resar, Nick 374
Rozell, David 40
Sedgeley, Charley 531
Stojsavljevic, Pete 508
Stojsavljevic, Sue 88
Thomas, Stephen 275
Weber, Marcus 70
Wert, Dennis 79
Yandek, Ken 706
Zeyer, Don 5
One Day visitations 318
2019 Total Volunteer Hours 18,051
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In Memoriam
The Board of Trustees of Midwest Railway Preservation Society wish to express their deepest sympathies to the family of Doug Kurch on his untimely passing. Doug, a long-time member was always willing to lend a hand and volunteered his services many times as a tour guide during our Open House events. He will be greatly missed.
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Book Signing
Christopher Whipple, Cleveland historian and author, will be signing copies of his latest book entitled "Cleveland's Colorful Characters" on March 7th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the Fireside Bookstore in Chagrin Falls. Kit recently spoke about his book at the Music Box Supper Club as part of the Authors Series and attendees were treated to stories from the book entwined in our city's history that included the Van Sweringens, Marcus Hanna and Mr. Magoo to name a few.
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Happenings "aROUND the HOUSE"
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The kitchen of the upstairs crew room is undergoing a rehab and rearrangement. The old stove from the "America" kitchen has been installed and water and drain lines are being run for installation of a sink. Saturday lunches will soon be able to consist of more than crock pot meals, hot dogs, sandwiches or pizza.
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The CSX mandated Safety Class was held on Saturday, February 15th. The class, presented by MRPS President, Steve Emling, was well attended with a good number of the participants being new members looking forward to volunteering in the future. A make-up class was held the following Wednesday evening for those that could not attend the Saturday morning session.
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Two more Railway Express baggage carts are being refurbished in the roundhouse for display purposes. The bulk of the project consists of replacing the wood decking of the carts with pressure treated lumber to help withstand the harsh outdoor conditions on site.
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This old undated photo of 4070 running in service in the Cuyahoga Valley was found in the archives. MRPS is making a push to expand restoration efforts by getting more volunteers involved and also to bring in more donations to the 4070 Restoration Fund. Let us know if you can help out in any way.
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This undated archive photograph shows a 4070 operating crew posing on the front end of the locomotive.
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This unique one-of-a-kind electric guitar will be the next one in the series made by member Sid Workman to be offered by MRPS in fund raising efforts for the roundhouse stalls 6 through 10 building fund. Made from maple, this guitar is sure to garner a lot of interest due to its' design being copied from the CT&V Railroad logo. Watch for more details to follow in future editions of Marker Lights.
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One of the elusive roundhouse cats poses for a rare picture on a busy morning. Waiting for its' daily meal, it likely mistook the photographer for its' generous benefactor.
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Run a Locomotive for an Hour!
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Sit at the throttle of our vintage Alco RS3 locomotive under the watchful eyes of a Midwest engineer. An experience that you will never forget!
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If you are looking for a unique experience or a one-of-a-kind gift for that special person, consider our "Run a Locomotive for an Hour" program. People travel all over the country for an opportunity to do just what we offer here at MRPS in your own back yard. The cost is just $375 but members pay a discounted rate of only $175. Interested? Contact us at 216-781-3629 or email us at www.midwestrailway.com.
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Help Needed
Volunteers with skills and/or experience in the following areas are always needed. Please stop by and lend a hand.
Diesel Mechanics
Carpenters
Electricians
Project Managers
Masonry
Experienced Welders
Bookkeeping
Trackmen
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MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2020
Dues are annual (1 year)
REGULAR.........................$45.00
FAMILY..............................$60.00
SENIOR (55 OR OLDER) $40.00
BENEFACTOR
INDIVIDUAL.................$100.00
BUSINESS...................$100.00
PLATINUM LEVEL............$500.00
OR MORE PER PERSON PER YEAR.
EVERY DONATION MADE IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
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Proud Partners of Midwest
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Proud Sponsors of The Midwest Railway Preservation Society
Marker Lights Newsletter
Editor and chief writer: Ken Yandek
Send comments and feedback to:
newslettermrps@gmail.com
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OFFICERS AND TRUSTEES
Steve Emling, President
Steve Korpos Jr., Executive Director
Ken Yandek, Chairman of the Board
Richard Kulik, Treasurer
Karen Bates, Recording Seceratary
Charlie Sedgley
Alex Ciparis
Greg Antz
Mark Billey
Tom Hunt
Mitch Karibinus
Ken McCown
Dale Pietrasz
Petar Stojsavljevic
Bud Ramkey
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OPEN HOUSE at the ROUNDHOUSE
Open House Dates
Bunny Run
April 4th & April 11th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Mothers Day May 9th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Fathers Day & Cleveland History Days
June 20th & June 27th
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Open House Events
for the remainder of 2020
have yet to be determined.
Midwest Railway Preservation Society.
Historic B&O Roundhouse
2800 W. 3 rd Street
Cleveland, OH 44113
Get guided tours of the site
Learn how railroads helped make Cleveland an industrial giant
Climb on board an original, elegant “parlor coach” from the 1920's
Hear the history of the famous “4070” steam locomotive
Share in our vision to save the Roundhouse
Visit our gift shop
Donation for Admission: $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under
Free admission to all members in good standing
All proceeds to be used for Roundhouse restoration efforts
Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes as the site is still in rough condition.
Children must be under the supervision of an adult at ALL times. Visitors with disabilities are
Welcome but should know that the site and equipment are NOT ADA-accessible.
For more information, call (216) 781-3629
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