The Railroad Museum is constructing a new roundhouse to protect six Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotives that have long stood exposed to damaging weather. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Located beside an original Reading Company turntable, the roundhouse will span 16,000 square feet and house six exhibition stalls. The $ project is being built by eciConstruction of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. Work begins by late July and should finish in late 2026 or early 2027.

Railroad Museum Begins Roundhouse Construction
The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is breaking ground on a new roundhouse that will be used to protect six Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotives. Courtesy Image.

For safety, the museum’s outdoor yard will remain closed throughout the construction phase. This measure ensures that visitors are not exposed to potential hazards during active development.

Preservation Efforts at the Railroad Museum

According to director Patrick Morrison, the Railroad Museum launched this initiative to halt weather-related deterioration. He emphasized that the new roundhouse will allow these steam locomotives to be displayed in a controlled environment.

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“Each engine will eventually be moved to our restoration shop when time and resources allow,” Morrison said. The new facility will not only offer better conditions but also create educational value for the public.

So far, the museum’s support organization has raised funds to cosmetically restore the PRR E6 Atlantic No. 460. Restoration plans for five more locomotives are currently underway.

Fundraising and Future Plans at the Railroad Museum

Efforts now focus on preparing PRR B6sb 2-8-0 No. 1670, H10s 2-8-0 No. 7688, L1s 2-8-2 No. 520, K4s 4-6-2 No. 3750, and M1b 4-8-2 No. 6755 for indoor display. These engines will form the core of the roundhouse exhibit.

Because steam locomotives require constant care, the roundhouse will serve as both a preservation space and a teaching tool for rail history. The Railroad Museum aims to combine public engagement with expert-level conservation.

By expanding infrastructure and deepening restoration goals, the museum strengthens its role as a trusted guardian of railroad heritage. The roundhouse project represents a lasting investment in historical education and preservation.

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