GC2T8EX NBC #2-Roundhouse (Traditional Cache) in Michigan, United States created by Jeepers-gasfree

This cache has been archived.

-allenite-: As there's been no response from the cache owner to my previous note, I'm archiving it to keep it from continually showing up in search lists and to prevent it from blocking other cache placements. Please note that if geocaches are archived by a reviewer or Geocaching HQ for lack of maintenance, they are not eligible for unarchival.

GC2T8EX ▼

A cache by Jeepers-gasfree Message this owner

Hidden : 4/15/2011

Difficulty:

Terrain:

Size: Size: regular (regular)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:

NBC=No Boring Caches...see NBC series description below.

OK, stop reading right now. The cache itself is nothing special, but the location is.

Go down to the Google map below and view the area surrounding the cache using the Satellite view. Pretty cool, huh?

Congrats to corixid on the FTF

This area East of Elm st was the Jackson Rail yard. It was the largest freight rail yard in South-Central Michigan. Many of the freight warehouses are still in use.

The circular pattern visible in the immediate location of the cache is the old Roundhouse. Roundhouses were the "garages" for storing and repairing the locomotive engines. Typically shaped like the letter "C", they were able to house many large locomotives in a relatively small space.

The engine (without the freight cars) would drive into the center of the building (in this case, from the North) and park on a turntable in the center of the building. The turntable would turn until the tracks pointed to an empty space, then the engine would drive in and park. From the satellite view, it looks as though this roundhouse would have housed about 40 engines. Take a few minutes to walk around the area, noticing the unique radial patter of cement slabs.

The movie version of "The Polar Express" has a very exciting (though somewhat unrealistic) scene involving an engine roundhouse.

This wikipedia article gives more details and photos of roundhouse buildings. (visit link)

Here is a picture of the last standing portion of this roundhouse before it was demolished in 1984. (visit link)

Here is a 4-part home video that was made about the history of this particular building, and is shot on location. (visit link) (visit link) (visit link) (visit link)

NO BORING CACHES!!!
Keep Geocaching FUN! Don't you get tired of finding a film can under a lamp pole skirt? Join those of us who are trying to raise the enjoyment level of Geocaching by hiding interesting caches.

The more thought you put into your hides, the more enjoyment we will get when finding them. Ways to keep your cache hide interesting: (Choose one or all)
1) Find an interesting location. Let your cache be a way to show us all something cool you know about.
2) Put the cache in an interesting container. Instead of a film can, find something at a garage sale or antique store that is fun or educational.
3) Hide the container in an unusual manner. Lamp pole skirts and tree crotches are common. Hides that require "tools" or strategy make the find harder, but much more fun. (never increase the difficulty by giving intentionally bad coordinates)
4) Provide information in the cache description that the readers will find enjoyable or educational.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Orgjrra 2 pbapergr jnyyf.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)

This cache has been archived.

Watch

Geocache Description:

Attributes

Inventory

Bookmark Lists

NBC #2-Roundhouse Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Watch

Geocache Description:

Attributes

Inventory

Bookmark Lists