Jason Gilmore has begun the important work of planning for a memorial honouring Dauphin’s railroad history through the preservation of key pieces of the turntable mechanism, which will be removed from in front of the Public Works Shop later this summer.
But it is early in the process, said the president of the Dauphin Rail Museum.
“The first stage I’m in right now is just trying to obtain a little bit of engineering, architectural help, in so far as design,” Gilmore said.
“I think (the monument) is going to be pretty simple, but the portion that we’re going to have saved is still 32,000 pounds. So just to ensure the base of it is stable and it’s not going to sink in a couple years. So that’s kind of the primary concern.”
Gilmore said he has been in touch with engineering and architectural schools, but as of yet, has not heard back.
“I did reach out to the University of Manitoba, but right now since they’re on break, maybe they’re sort of offline a little bit, too,” he said, adding he has worked with the school on projects in the past.
“When we 3D printed the rail station on the model layout, that was the Faculty of Architecture that helped us.”
Other options, Gilmore added, include either that U of M’s school of engineering or possibly Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba.
“I had an engineering friend say to reach out to them, because they’re younger engineers. I think going that route would be preferable, because it would create experience for them, plus a little bit of legacy when you indicate they assisted, say on a plaque or something like that,” he said.
There is, however, plenty of work that needs to be completed before a detailed design can take place, such as selecting a location for the monument and setting a budget for the project.
In terms of location, given the size of the pieces being preserved - an approximately 15-foot-by-15-foot cross section of the turntable which, includes the motor - options are limited. Currently two locations are being considered, Gilmore said. The first is just east of CN Place in front of the first rail bench. The second is in a section west of the caboose and east of the berry patch.
“We just haven’t nailed it down. And part of it is just logistics of how to get it in these spots. Is there an easier one? These are all the details that we have to really nail down,” Gilmore said, adding that although it is early in the process, he hopes to have the fixture installed next summer or early fall.
For the full story, read this weeks edition of The Dauphin Herald.
