Out at the sad heel of the city there is an old roundhouse, abandoned, half burnt down, unrecognizable to most as the hub of the train yards in San Francisco. Why would anyone know? Freight trains haven’t run through this city in years and years. At one time all tracks led to the roundhouse, and the engines would come in and swivel around to be repositioned on their next outbound set of rails.
There are deep trenches in the concrete floor. Workers could operate on the iron locomotives from below. Elevating a ten wheel diesel locomotive with a hydraulic jack would be pretty risky.
This building is in a vast field that runs along the current passenger train service, known as CalTrain. I met a homeless man a few years ago who claimed he set the place on fire one evening cooking speed.
Who knows if it’s true.
All kinds have come through here since it was left empty.
Rich and poor.
I find it to be one of the most beautiful places in the city.
Even the charcoal factory behind it.
Take one last look before the city knocks it down.
although it’s been “requested” that I not do this: You are brilliant, tough guy. The world seems lonely but hopeful through your eyes. That is a gift, man…don’t ever lose it!
Comment by e. march — September 12, 2006 @ 4:45 am
go to the dump
look at the lump
gasoline pump
shake my rump
take a dump
AIDS
cancer
thank you
Comment by takeabath@hotmail.com — September 13, 2006 @ 10:26 am