Silvis Roundhouse Project
RRHMA to resurrect historic turntable and roundhouse in Silvis, Illinois
SILVIS, Ill., – Following the acquisition of the Cicero Turntable from the BNSF Railway, Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA) announces the beginning of their plans to re-construct and install the historic turntable and roundhouse once removed from the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Steam Erecting Shops in Silvis, Illinois.
Built in 1903 for the Chicago, Rock Island and Pacific Railroad, the steam erecting shop was the site chosen by the Rock Island Railroad to complete final assembly of the locomotives powering their fleet. This 90-acre facility included a 45-stall roundhouse for active steam locomotive storage and maintenance. Now, after over 70 years, RRHMA plans to re-construct the roundhouse and install the 135-foot Cicero Turntable, donated in 2024.
Once completed, the Cicero Turntable will be the largest preserved and operating turntable in North America. Capable of turning locomotives such as Union Pacific, #3985 and #5511 with ease. Originally built around 1940 for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, it once turned famous steam locomotives such as Burlington Route No. 4960 and 4-8-4 No. 5632 during 1960s fan trips.
Rock Island Railroad Shops, Silvis, IL
South Exterior View, Silvis Roundhouse Rendering
The roundhouse construction is based off of original roundhouse designs from the Rock Island Railroad, with modifications to allow for additional amenities. A modern design, while maintaining original elements.
This 6-stall roundhouse will serve several key purposes:
Operational Use
The fully functional turntable will allow RRHMA crews to easily reposition locomotives and railcars, just as railroads did in the steam era. This capability is crucial for servicing and operating large steam locomotives like Union Pacific Challenger No. 3985. When installed in its new circular pit, the 135-foot turntable will be fully operational for maneuvering RRHMA’s historic fleet.
Public Exhibit
The accompanying roundhouse-style building will serve as a living museum where visitors can experience historic railroad equipment in an authentic setting. During special events and open houses, guests will be able to see the massive turntable in action and tour the locomotives and railcars housed in the roundhouse.
Restoration Facility
By constructing a multi-stall roundhouse, RRHMA gains much-needed covered space to protect and maintain its fleet of vintage locomotives and cars. The roundhouse will revive part of the Silvis site’s original purpose, once again housing engines under a sheltering roof for upkeep and display, just as the Rock Island Railroad did over 70 years ago.
Southwest Exterior View, Silvis Roundhouse Rendering
Backshop View, Silvis Roundhouse Rendering
Main Interior View, Silvis Roundhouse Rendering
Double Matching Grant Campaign
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, RRHMA is seeking support from donors, businesses, and volunteers to bring the turntable and roundhouse project to fruition.
To kick off this campaign, RRHMA is proud to announce a double matching grant campaign for the turntable restoration project and roundhouse construction, thanks to a few generous donors. This means for every $1 you donate, it will be immediately turned into $2.
RRHMA invites everyone to join in this journey to preserve railroading history – whether by donating, volunteering, or simply visiting when the new facility opens. Together, the community can ensure that the sight of giant steam locomotives turning on a grand turntable, and the experience of walking through a bustling roundhouse, will inspire and educate future generations about America’s rich railroad heritage.
To donate directly to the turntable campaign, simply click the “DONATE HERE!” button below, when filling out our donation form select “Building Maintenance Fund (Turntable, Building, Etc.), and continue to fill out the form. It’s just that simple!
Progress Updates
11/21/2025
The first monumental steps in the turntable construction has begun!
Local demolition contractors have been on RRHMA-Silvis property carefully removing all of the pieces of the original roundhouse foundation. This is done so RRHMA can construct and pour a brand new foundation that will fit our current roundhouse design, and accommodate for the 135 ft. Cicero Turntable.
While this is happening, RRHMA is working closely with local engineers and industry experts to construct a design for the concrete turntable pit, and construct a timeline to begin restoration on the turntable itself.
12/31/2025
The original foundation for the Silvis roundhouse has been completely demolished successfully.
All of the concrete for the foundation has been removed and is now in the process of being taken off-site and disposed of.
The next major step in this project will be to have demolition contractors return to the Silvis site and begin digging the pit for the turntable to sit in. At the same time, surveyors and engineers have been on site putting the final modifications onto a design for the turntable pit to support the massive table- and the massive locomotives.
As of 12/31/2025, we have successfully raised $62,000 for the project!
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