Features of SOO 2713 Preserved at Stevens Point
At one of our previous meetings, the group favored the style of train shed built to protect SOO 2713 at Stevens Point. It seemed like most members of the group had not yet personally visited that display. I hadn’t visited that display for about 12 years, so I wanted to visit it again to take a closer look.
The Friends of 2713 have created an impressive display and are doing awesome work to preserve SOO 2713. There might be some design features which we might want to emulate. Conversely, some features might not work for our project.
I brought these photographs to share at our most recent meeting, but I didn’t want to make the meeting run longer than it had to. I wanted to share them here in case someone wants to see some of the interesting features of this display without having to drive to Stevens Point to see it themself.
The Train Shed
Oblique view of the SOO 2713 train shed. Looking easterly from Church St.
Broadside view of the SOO 2713 train shed. Looking northeast from Church St.
Head on view of the SOO 2713 train shed. Looking southeast from Church St.
Oblique view of the SOO 2713 train shed. Looking southeast from Monroe St.
Broadside view of the SOO 2713 train shed. Looking southwest from Monroe St.
Looking up at the soffit on a corner of the train shed. You can see a security camera and a recessed light fixture. I like the brackets on the columns. It would be nice to have large, ornamental brackets like those which adorned many old railroad depots, but they would invite bird nests. I think these simplified brackets provide the happy medium.
Railroad heralds have been stamped in the concrete sidewalk surrounding the train shed. This is a nice touch. They are hard to see in this photograph, so I photographed each one individually.
Close-up of the Soo Line herald stamped in the concrete sidewalk surrounding the train shed. I think we should consider something like this for our project.
Close-up of the Canadian National herald stamped in the concrete sidewalk surrounding the train shed. I think we should consider something like this for our project.
Close-up of the Wisconsin Central herald stamped in the concrete sidewalk surrounding the train shed. I think we should consider something like this for our project.
If you compare this WC herald to the previous one, you can see that some of the stampings are a little deeper, and more noticeable.
This adjustable, recessed light fixture in the soffit of the train shed shows how birds will take advantage of any opportunity to build a nest.
A nice, decorative clock adorns the train shed.
This owl decoy in the train shed is not having the desired effect.
A sturdy donation box rests next to the locomotive.
The Locomotive
Unfortunately, the headlight lens has been damaged. It looks like the headlight and classification lights are constantly illuminated.
As I rounded the corner on the front, right side of the locomotive, a pair of birds flew out of the nest build inside this component. You can see some nesting material sticking out of the narrow slot.
Both of the front windows on the cab are missing. It looks like the retractable canvass awning above the engineer’s window is intact.
There are senseless scratches in the side of the tender where the stairs ascend to the cab. Some have been covered by the last coat of paint, but are still visible.
There is graffiti scratched in the side of the tender where the stairs ascend to the cab. Some have been covered by the last coat of paint, but are still visible.
A view of what’s left of the backhead. All but one of the gauges are gone.
Some offensive graffiti scratched in the fireman’s seat.
The only surviving gauge has been vandalized.
Bird crap on top of the firebox behind the backhead.
Bird crap on top of the firebox behind the backhead.
An empty liquor bottle tossed in the firebox. I was afraid I would find a lot more garbage tossed in there.
Some garbage tossed in the tender. I was afraid I would find a lot more garbage tossed in there.
Padlocks installed to protect the tender.
Some cigarette butts and burnt matches on the floor of the cab. Not quite as bad as I thought I’d find, but still disappointing.
Plexiglass ladder cover on the tender. It detracts from the display, but I understand why it is there.
Plexiglass step covers on the tender. They detract from the display, but I understand why they are there.
The Covered Benches and Signs
Oblique view of the covered benches and signs. It is designed in the style of a passenger platform and looks awesome. The roof line matches the roof of the train shed. Some decorative scroll work adorns the ridge. Looking southeast from Monroe St.
Broadside view of the covered benches and signs. It is designed in the style of a passenger platform and looks awesome. The roof line matches the roof of the train shed. Some decorative scroll work adorns the ridge. Looking southwest from Monroe St.
Oblique view of the covered benches and signs. It is designed in the style of a passenger platform and looks awesome. The roof line matches the roof of the train shed. Some decorative scroll work adorns the ridge. The old-fashioned lamp posts are a nice touch. Looking northwest.
Oblique view of the covered sign holder. Again, the roof line mimics those of the covered benches and train shed. Even the scroll work on the ridge of the covered benches is duplicated here. Looking southwest from Monroe St.
The Signs
An awesome educational sign next to SOO 2713.
A variety of informative signs next to SOO 2713. An assortment of local tourist and history information as well as railroad related information. This information can easily be updated.
A variety of informative signs next to SOO 2713. An assortment of local tourist and history information as well as railroad related information. This information can easily be updated.
Closeup of some of the railroad information displayed next to SOO 2713. If you aren’t already aware, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation publishes an updated railroad map every year. The photograph at the top depicts the first locomotive to arrive in Stevens Point, Wisconsin Central No. 1, “Menasha,” a Baldwin 4-4-0.
Closeup of some of the railroad information displayed next to SOO 2713. Obviously, the group leading the effort to preserve the locomotive wants the public to know more about them.
Closeup of some of the railroad information displayed next to SOO 2713.
Donor Acknowledgement
Donor acknowledgement at the base of a decorative lamp post.
Donor acknowledgement under the stairs and platform.
This photograph highlights one of the advantages of a steel ramp and platform for our project, they won’t obscure the view of the locomotive and tender as much as one constructed of wood. Also, it will last longer. The additional upfront cost might be justified.
Donor acknowledgement around the covered benches and signs. The simulated passenger platform consists of decorative paving blocks. They look nice (when installed and maintained properly, like these are) and are also a fund raising opportunity.
Donor acknowledgement for the covered benches and signs.
Donor acknowledgement for the covered benches and signs.
Donor acknowledgement for one of the columns supporting the train shed.
I have mixed feelings about donor recognition or naming rights. I think the donor pavers are great. I think the other donor recognition is subtle, unobtrusive.
Train-themed Playground Equipment
Some awesome train-themed playground equipment rests in the shadow of SOO 2713. I love how the sign under the cab says “2713 Jr.,” and the coaches have Soo Line signs.
I didn’t notice it while I was standing there, but if you zoom in at the lower right, you will notice that simulated railroad tracks have been stamped into the concrete border which helps contain the mulch around the playground equipment.
A cursory internet search for “train-themed playground equipment” yields many fun, but expensive, results which would be great accessories for our pending display.