Altoona in Blair County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Master Mechanic
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
1. The Master Mechanic Marker
Built in 1882, this Master Mechanics Building housed then, as it does again today, stories of what made the Pennsylvania the most important railroad in America and a cornerstone of the industry.
First-Rate Mechanics
Each Pennsy operating division had a Master Mechanic, whose job was to oversee the upkeep of locomotives and cars in his division to assure their first-rate performance and reliability. Nowhere was he more respected than here in Altoona - headquarters of PRR's Middle Division, home of the world's largest railroad shops, and a hub of day-to-day railroading activity.
State-of-the-Art Railroading
In this building were also housed the finest state-of-the-art physical and chemical laboratories, where research was conducted by the Pennsylvania Railroad Test Department. Founded by engineers, the PRR emphasized cutting-edge science and technology to build the biggest corporation and self-proclaimed "Standard Railroad" fo the world.
Erected by Railroaders Memorial Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: PRR Class X29L Steel Boxcar No. 2136 (here, next to this marker); The Posy Gang (a few steps from this marker); PRR Class N5 Cabin Car (or Caboose) No. 477577 (a few steps from this marker); Brotherhood's Relief & Compensation Fund (within shouting distance of this marker); PRR Class D78F Dining Car No. 4468 (within shouting distance of this marker); The Altoona Works (within shouting distance of this marker); Track Cars (within shouting distance of this marker); Pennsylvania Railroad Shops (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Altoona.
Also see . . .
1. Pennyslvania Railroad Shops. Explore PA History website entry (Submitted on February 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
2. Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society. Society website homepage (Submitted on February 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
3. Railfan's Guide to the Altoona Area. Trainweb
Photographed by Unknown, 1904
2. Photo on The Master Mechanic Marker
[Caption reads] G.W. Strattan, Master Mechanic, 1904, ARMM Collection
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., July 6, 2009
3. Railroaders Memorial Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on April 1, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,139 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 13, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
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