Cicero turntable
For most of 2024, one of RRHMAs most dedicated volunteers, Erik Hoofnagle, has been diligently working with BNSF to acquire the Cicero Yard turntable. Installed in the late 1930s, this 135-foot turntable is the largest operating turntable in the USA. Weighing in at 160,000 pounds, this massive turntable was saved from the scrappers torch just a few days ago on August 20, 2024.
While Silvis once had a turntable that served the Rock Island shop complex, it was removed and the turntable pit filled in decades ago. The “new” turntable was needed to handle the large size of Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 Challenger #3985 currently being restored at the shop complex along with 2-10-2 #5511. Older railroad fans will recall that the Cicero turntable was used to turn Burlington Route’s two famous excursion steam locomotives in the 1960s, Mikado #4960 and 4-8-4 #5632.
We are deeply grateful to the companies whose generous support made this incredible donation possible: T N Track Services of Bartonville, IL, Maggio Heavy Lift of Rockford, IL, and Smith Specialized Heavy Hauling Inc. of Dekalb, IL. Thank you for your invaluable contribution to our project.
RRHMA President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Sandberg thanked BNSF Railway for the donation and said RRHMA is seeking donations for the movement and installation of the turntable at Silvis.
RRHMA would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Erik Hoofnagle. Without his hard work and dedication to RRHMA-Silvis, this donation might not have become a reality. Since 2012, Erik has been a committed volunteer with Friends of the 261 in Minneapolis and has played a vital role in RRHMA-Silvis. From leading track work and maintenance to contributing to numerous upgrades and future plans, Erik’s loyalty and dedication have been invaluable. RRHMA and Friends of the 261 are truly grateful for volunteers like Erik.
Help RRHMA bring the Cicero turntable project to life! We’re raising funds to take the next critical steps—surveys, excavation, design, and concrete work are just the beginning. This massive project can only move forward with your support. With the dedication of our volunteers and the generosity of our loyal supporters, we can make it happen. Please donate today and be a part of this incredible journey!
If you would like to support RRHMA and its mission to preserve railroading history, become a member or donate today.
