A specialized locomotive shop built in a radial shape around a central turntable. Because steam locomotives were directional and difficult to run in reverse, the turntable allowed them to be easily rotated and backed into individual maintenance bays. While largely obsolete in the diesel era, some remain in use for heavy repairs or heritage operations.
Heard on the job
After the boiler wash, the hostler backed the engine out of the roundhouse and spotted it on the ready track.
Related terms
Turntable
A rotating track section mounted in a circular pit used to reverse the direction of locomotives.
Hostler
A terminal worker who moves, fuels, sands and services locomotives inside the engine facility.
Motive power depot
A facility where locomotives are stored, serviced, and repaired between assignments.