Age of Steam Roundhouse honored for locomotive restoration

The Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum has received the 2025 Significant Achievement Award – Steam from the HeritageRail Alliance for the cosmetic restoration of the Bessemer & Lake Erie No. 643 steam locomotive. The honor recognizes the exceptional skill and dedication of the museum’s restoration team in preserving and showcasing historic locomotives.

The massive locomotive arrived at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Jan. 31, 2024. Acquiring it was a lifelong dream of the late Jerry Jacobson, who envisioned restoring and displaying the engine alongside the museum’s other locomotives. At more than 108 feet long, 16 feet tall and 450 tons without fuel or water, No. 643 is the largest locomotive in the collection. Fully loaded with 26 tons of coal and 23,000 gallons of water, it weighs 572 tons.

“All the staff and volunteers at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum greatly appreciate the HeritageRail Alliance for the decision to award this honor for the restoration of No. 643 to its ‘as in service’ appearance for our visitors and future generations,” said Chief Mechanical Officer Tim Sposato.

“This vision to see through a window into the past is important for rail-oriented organizations to help expose the colorful history of railroading,” Sposato said.

The full cosmetic restoration of No. 643 was completed in March 2025, and the locomotive is now on public display. The museum’s back shop team dedicates extensive hours and expertise to each project, ensuring every locomotive receives meticulous care from top to bottom.

For more information, visit ageofsteamroundhouse.org or follow the museum on Facebook.