All Aboard to Restore Locomotive 1504
Metro Jacksonville's Kara Holmes investigates the history of a derelict locomotive hidden behind the Prime Osborn Center.
A cautionary whistle echoes from miles away. The ground shakes as over half a million pounds of metal and cargo approach. Two steel ribbons guide the beast as it furiously races to its destination.
I am amazed at how much history Jacksonville hides beneath its growing urban core. There are countless abandoned or renovated buildings which hold secrets that may never be discovered. Some of these treasures hide in plain sight, acquiring a glance here and there from pedestrians, remaining unnoticed by the thousands passing by it every day.
In the case of locomotive 1504, it hides outside of the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Not only is it one of the few remaining USRA locomotives in its original "as-built" condition, but it is one of only 81 "light pacific" locomotives built in the early 1900's. A “Pacific Type” locomotive has four pilot wheels, six driving wheels, and two larger wheels that support its large firebox and cab. They are often referred to as a “4-6-2” by train enthusiasts.
The 1504 spent the first twenty years of its life hauling passengers between Richmond and Jacksonville. Once diesel was introduced into the industry 1504, and its light pacific counterparts, were put into freight service. The 1504 continued its work in Tampa until the early 50’s.
After a decade of storage, the 1504 was given a thorough mechanical overhaul and sent back up to Jacksonville. It was displayed in front of the recently constructed Atlantic Coast Line office building, and stayed there for almost 30 years. In 1986, the 1504 was moved to the parking lot of the Prime Osborn Convention Center, which was once the site of the bustling Jacksonville Terminal, both of which were constructed in 1919. The terminal was one of the biggest stations in the South, and hauled about 20,000 passengers each day.
Here’s an article by Metro Jacksonville’s Ennis Davis with more information on the history of the Jacksonville Terminal, including a fantastic narration by Robert Mann. (https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jan-lost-jacksonville-union-terminal)
The 1504 has been displayed outside of the Prime Osborn Convention Center for 28 years. The years spent sitting, unprotected from the elements, are beginning to show. Rust bleeds from its frame and corrosion plagues the old locomotive. Many of its metal components look as though they have been painted recently, but no care was put into the paint job.
Some of the damage is covered by what looks to be low quality spray paint, and other wounds are left untouched. A plaque, once describing the rich history of locomotive 1504 is faded and nearly illegible. Unless something is done soon, this piece of history is going to fade away into a skeleton of what it once was. No one would leave an antique Bugatti uncovered and parked in their driveway for 50 years.
Late last year, Trains Magazine nominated locomotive 1504 for a Preservation Award. It was one among many in a list of over 50 of the nation's "most endangered railroad landmarks." Not only did our 1504 win the $10,000 award, but CSX is going to match the amount, raising the total award to $20,000. North Florida NRHS Chapter has been trying to restore the locomotive, and the award from Trains is going to help fund the first steps in a very long restoration process.
John S. Holmgren, the president of the North Florida Chapter says that they "...are thrilled at the coalition of public and private organizations that have joined together to save this vital piece of railroad history," and that because of Trains Magazine and CSX, there is finally a chance to rescue engine 1504. This restoration will "help ensure a bright and secure future for this historic locomotive."
“For more information or to donate, contact the North Florida NRHS Chapter at https://www.nrhs.com/chapters/north-florida or mail the chapter care of President John S. Holmgren at P.O. Box 16493, Jacksonville, FL, 32245-6493.”
Editorial and photography by Kara Holmes
I am amazed at how much history Jacksonville hides beneath its growing urban core. There are countless abandoned or renovated buildings which hold secrets that may never be discovered. Some of these treasures hide in plain sight, acquiring a glance here and there from pedestrians, remaining unnoticed by the thousands passing by it every day.
In the case of locomotive 1504, it hides outside of the Prime Osborn Convention Center. Not only is it one of the few remaining USRA locomotives in its original "as-built" condition, but it is one of only 81 "light pacific" locomotives built in the early 1900's. A “Pacific Type” locomotive has four pilot wheels, six driving wheels, and two larger wheels that support its large firebox and cab. They are often referred to as a “4-6-2” by train enthusiasts.
The 1504 spent the first twenty years of its life hauling passengers between Richmond and Jacksonville. Once diesel was introduced into the industry 1504, and its light pacific counterparts, were put into freight service. The 1504 continued its work in Tampa until the early 50’s.
After a decade of storage, the 1504 was given a thorough mechanical overhaul and sent back up to Jacksonville. It was displayed in front of the recently constructed Atlantic Coast Line office building, and stayed there for almost 30 years. In 1986, the 1504 was moved to the parking lot of the Prime Osborn Convention Center, which was once the site of the bustling Jacksonville Terminal, both of which were constructed in 1919. The terminal was one of the biggest stations in the South, and hauled about 20,000 passengers each day.
Here’s an article by Metro Jacksonville’s Ennis Davis with more information on the history of the Jacksonville Terminal, including a fantastic narration by Robert Mann. (https://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2010-jan-lost-jacksonville-union-terminal)
The 1504 has been displayed outside of the Prime Osborn Convention Center for 28 years. The years spent sitting, unprotected from the elements, are beginning to show. Rust bleeds from its frame and corrosion plagues the old locomotive. Many of its metal components look as though they have been painted recently, but no care was put into the paint job.
Some of the damage is covered by what looks to be low quality spray paint, and other wounds are left untouched. A plaque, once describing the rich history of locomotive 1504 is faded and nearly illegible. Unless something is done soon, this piece of history is going to fade away into a skeleton of what it once was. No one would leave an antique Bugatti uncovered and parked in their driveway for 50 years.
Late last year, Trains Magazine nominated locomotive 1504 for a Preservation Award. It was one among many in a list of over 50 of the nation's "most endangered railroad landmarks." Not only did our 1504 win the $10,000 award, but CSX is going to match the amount, raising the total award to $20,000. North Florida NRHS Chapter has been trying to restore the locomotive, and the award from Trains is going to help fund the first steps in a very long restoration process.
John S. Holmgren, the president of the North Florida Chapter says that they "...are thrilled at the coalition of public and private organizations that have joined together to save this vital piece of railroad history," and that because of Trains Magazine and CSX, there is finally a chance to rescue engine 1504. This restoration will "help ensure a bright and secure future for this historic locomotive."
“For more information or to donate, contact the North Florida NRHS Chapter at https://www.nrhs.com/chapters/north-florida or mail the chapter care of President John S. Holmgren at P.O. Box 16493, Jacksonville, FL, 32245-6493.”
Editorial and photography by Kara Holmes