Effective October 1, 2008, Jerry sold his entire freight railroad interest in OCRS to Genesee & Wyoming, Inc. Included in that transfer were the ten, separate and individual railroads that comprised the greater OCRS, all track, property, modern diesel locomotives, freight cars, the Morgan Run Shop, and all other depots and structures. The control and day-to-day operation of OCRS leased railroads – for example, the ex-PRR Panhandle Line which is still owned by the State of Ohio and the Mt. Vernon-Newark-Zanesville-Cambridge line which is still owned by CSX Transportation – were assigned to G&W with the permission of the owners of these leased lines.

Based on OCRS’s low operating ratio, yearly growth and continuing profitability, it had become a prime candidate for a friendly takeover by a larger railroad. Negotiations were held with several railroads, but G&W got the nod to add the 525-mile OCRS to its list of 53 other short line railroads. However, Jerry retained ownership of all ten of his beloved steam locomotives, 22 old diesels, twelve heavyweight and twelve lightweight passenger cars, and the depot at Sugarcreek, Ohio.

Here we will keep you up to date on the construction of our brand new, 15-stall, brick roundhouse, 115-foot turntable and all-new back shop in which we shall house and maintain Jerry’s roster of venerable old railroad equipment. This web site will also display photos, news and information about our activities in the acquisition, restoration and operation of the steam locomotives, historic diesels and vintage passenger cars in the Jerry Joe Jacobson collection.

The Wed site for anyone who may be interested in how a roundhouse is construction can go to info@ageofsteamroundhouse.com and follow the construction photos of The Age of Steam Roundhouse Smokey lane Sugar Creek, Ohio 44681

The entire Age of Steam Roundhouse and site are being constructed and maintained with private funds donated by Jerry Joe and Laura Jacobson. It is expected that the roundhouse and back shop shall be completed in late 2010, with other buildings and structures being completed later during Phase 2 of this massive undertaking. Additionally, an endowment has been established so that the monumental construction work of this roundhouse and the treasures it contains may be guaranteed continued existence into the future.

Since he no longer owns a railroad line, Jerry will not be running passenger excursion trains. His equipment, both locomotives and cars, are available for use by other tourist railroads and excursion train operators. Additionally, numerous times each year Jerry’s steam locomotives will be used to power freight trains across the rails of neighboring railroads. We will post the schedules about these trips on this web site.