Since 1996, the Siouxland Historical Railroad Association has been working to preserve the former Milwaukee Road roundhouse and shop complex in Sioux City, Iowa.

The shops include a six stall roundhouse (originally 30), a turntable, a wooden sand tower, a sand house, a machine shop, a car department shop, a water closet building, a tool shed, and the associated tracks.

The association was founded in 1984 to restore steam locomotive GN 1355 to operation. From 1984 to 1998, that effort took place at the former Illinois Central engine shed. Looking for a permanent home with space for exhibits and visitor attractions, the association acquired the 1917 vintage Milwaukee roundhouse in 1996.

Since acquring the roundhouse complex, much effort has been invested in stabilizing buildings and cleaning up the grounds. It wasn't until 2005 or so that a significant effort could again focus on the steam engine. One last burst of activity attempted to make progress towards returning the locomotive to operation.

Finally, it was concluded that modern conditions would not be condusive to operation. Additionally, the locomotive was listed as nationally significant on the National Register of Historic Places. It was decided to do a cosmetic restoration of the locomotive and focus on building an interpretive center around the locomotive.

The roundhouse,
1917-present.

To preserve a structure, it must be watertight. See the reconstruction of the roundhouse roof.

Cleaning up the roundhouse, shops, & grounds was a big task

The machine shop needed major masonry repair

The car department shop got a new floor

My thesis, featuring a history of the shops and interviews with former employees.

GN 1355, from the GN to the present

Smokebox work,
winter 2006

Blowing the whistle,
40 PSI, 2006.
Video by Ken Brown.