This website has been archived from TrainWeb.org/roundhouse to TrainWeb.US/roundhouse.
Internet Press Release from the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum
May 18, 1998
Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum, Post Office Box 2858, Hagerstown, MD 21741-2858 Phone: (301) 739-4665
CSX recently put terms of purchase to the Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum. In order to purchase the 45 acre site for future restoration, the HRM must come up with $500,000 and provide CSX with indemnification into the future, by July 3, 1998.
The HRM has increasingly worked on better, more congenial terms with CSX over the 10 years since the wrecking ball was stopped. CSX would actually prefer the complex to be bought by the HRM, but this extremely short deadline will be very challenging.
The ex-Western Maryland Railway shops complex resides on 45 acres of land in Hagerstown, Maryland. This was the main shops of the WM, and a 25 stall roundhouse, 115 foot turntable, erecting shops, back shops and various other buildings still stand in restorable condition. Several pieces of heavy equipment - overhead cranes, drop table, wheel lathes, etc. - are still on the property.
The HRM has plans and goals for the use of this site; in a nutshell, restoration of the facility will allow restoration of locomotives and rail equipment and storage of equipment, there is an excellent facility for the Museum and its displays, and possibility for short "excursions" or for boarding when running long excursions. Detailed plans can be obtained by contacting the HRM at the address or phone number above, or from the website at https://TrainWeb.US/roundhouse
Obviously, the HRM is interested in any financial assistance which can be offered. Grant proposals, fund-raising, and personal contacts are being initiated at a feverish pace, to attempt to meet the deadline. If you are in a position to assist the HRM in this critical time, your help will be greatly appreciated. If you cannot afford a monetary donation, please assist by spreading this news - you may be the link to a person who can assist in an unforseen manner!
Douglas White, Editor "The Roundhouse", HRM Newsletter
