We have been making very good use of the 4 stalls that were rebuilt on the foundations of the Old Stone Fort. But we now hope to reconstruct the other 4 stalls and put a metal roof on the entire structure. The second 4 stalls go to the left of the existing structure. The stone foundations of the original are still there. This will get ALL of our precious rolling stock stored safe from the elements!!!

Well, the wait is over! At our Fall 2001 Business Meeting and Banquet it was announced that our favorite masons have again donated there services and would start laying block the following week. This was a total, but very pleasant surprise. Hence, most of the labor on Sunday, Oct. 7 went to cleaning up the site. This included moving in a large tank to hold water for the mortar, which was then graciously filled by the Phillips Fire Dept. We had to shovel, rake, and sweep all the dirt, roots, and leaves off of the original stone foundation. In addition there was considerable cleanup of the area done as it was going to be considerably more difficult to do after the walls were up. There are 7 members and other volunteers visible here. There were about 5 more actively involved. A great effort on our closing day of the operating season.

We thought the first 4 stalls made for an impressive structure. Now they look almost small! Yes, the third stall from the left, the one that runs straight through the turntable, does have a back door.

This is what the addition looked like by Oct. 19. The work began on Oct. 10, 2001 and was finished by 3:30PM on Oct. 18. Richard Bradstreet of Bradstreet Custom Masonry made it all happen. His donation included not only labor, but mortar, window casings, headers, and use of scaffolding. Richard, we can't say THANK YOU enough!!!

On Oct. 20, the addition was measured for steel and timber for the roof work. It seems that the SR&RL operating season may be done for the year, but not all the directors and volunteers!!! Accordingly, by Nov. 12 we see this photo showing the posts and all but two of the beams in place. Keep your fingers, toes, and ears warm gang.

By Nov. 18, 2001 better than half of the rafters were in place. Gee, I thought we were going to have to do this part in the Spring of 2002. WOW!

It was pointed out by one of our members, in October 2001, that we are in rather elite company by way of having an 8 stall roundhouse. In fact, we can only think of two existing North American, NARROW GAUGE roundhouses of 8 or more stalls (EBT and D&S). Anybody know any others? How about 2' gauge roundhouses ANYWHERE?

The roof work was completed by 11/27. The roof boards are currently covered with tar paper (all 8 stalls). Plans are for a rubber membrane roof covering to be applied. Given that we are still waiting for the cost estimate on that and the first appearance of that white stuff covering the ground, the roof membrane will likely happen in the Spring. Rumor has it that the stall doors are being fabricated off site.
By the way, it is no accident that we reconstructed this building in 4 stall sections. The original P&R structure was built as 4 stalls plus 4 stalls with a full granite wall down the middle.

So the rumor of new doors turned out to be true! Doors were assembled off site by Wesley Spear. The photo speaks for itself!

This photo essentially marks the completion of the roundhouse itself. Here a membrane roof is being commercially applied over the entire 8 stalls. It is the 3rd week of October, 2002, just over a year from when we cleared the foundation for the 4 stall addition.