Rockland Turntable and Engine House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Rockland Turntable and Engine House
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Park Street west of Rockland Railroad Station, Rockland, Maine |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1921 |
| NRHP reference No. | 90001953 |
| Added to NRHP | June 24, 1993 |
The Rockland Turntable and Engine House are two important old buildings in Rockland, Maine. They were built in 1921 and helped trains get ready for their journeys. These buildings show us how important railroads were for Rockland as it grew. They were added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 24, 1993, which means they are special and worth protecting.
Contents
What Are a Turntable and Engine House?
Imagine a train that needs to turn around or move to a different track. That's where a turntable comes in handy! A turntable is a large, spinning platform that can rotate a train engine 360 degrees. This was very useful when trains couldn't easily back up or change direction.
An engine house is like a garage for train engines. It's a building where engines could be stored, repaired, and kept safe from the weather. Together, the turntable and engine house made sure trains were ready to go.
Where Are They Located?
The Rockland Turntable and Engine House are found about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) west of downtown Rockland. They are in what used to be a busy rail yard. This area is between Park Street (U.S. Route 1) and New Country Road.
The Engine House
The engine house is a unique building shaped like a wedge. It has two stories and a flat roof. The outside is covered with clapboard siding, and it sits on a strong concrete base. On the side facing the turntable, there are five large openings where trains would enter. Four of these still have their original doors. The front part of the building is one story, but the back has a higher roof with special windows that let in light.
The Turntable
The turntable is about 30 meters (100 feet) east of the engine house. It's a large circle, about 15 meters (50 feet) across. It has a strong steel platform that spins on a central support. The outer edge of the turntable rests on a rail that goes around the concrete wall. There's also a small shed next to the turntable where a worker would control its movement.
History of These Buildings
These specific buildings were built in 1921. They replaced older structures that had been there for many years. Rockland was at the very end of the train line, so a turntable was needed here early on. The first turntable was built in 1871, not long after train service started in the area.
The Rockland Turntable and Engine House are special because they are the only buildings like them in Maine that are still so well preserved. They give us a great look into the past of railroads and how important they were for cities like Rockland.
Images for kids
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A closer look at the engine house
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A closer look at the turntable
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Another view of the turntable
