Dave Zupkovich
There is a locomotive factory, nestled in a ravine, that was closed about a decade ago. This record was lying around, and begged to be set up for a shot, the album cover was in the next room. The rest of the facility, which was much smaller than many of our other sites, was fairly empty. A few nice equipment storage rooms, but the massive empty warehouse was quite a disappointment. Continue reading
Emergency Alarm
Another little gem. This former casting plant looks like the factory that builds other factories…or at least, the machinery that goes into them. We would have spent a long time exploring, but the weather was unbelievably bitter cold. We were expecting 25° F, and got 5° F…45 minutes was all we could handle.
Be sure to check out these photos on flickr if you want to comment on them.
-aigulf Continue reading
Commutators
This weekend held another expedition, but I’m going to be a little vague on where. Wouldn’t want too many people to find it and spoil the fun.
Our destination this time was an abandoned blast furnace, and boy were we surprised. The facility is significantly larger than we originally thought. Every time we turned a corner, it seemed like we were greeted with an expanse of new buildings and half-gutted machinery. Needless to say, this place will necessitate a return trip or two. Continue reading
The Stamping Line
In 2008, General Motors closed down their stamping plant in West Mifflin, PA. This plant was used to take sheets of steel from a nearby USS finishing mill, and stamp them into various shapes for assembly. Check out these photos of the now-defunct plant. Continue reading
Sadface
On a recent excursion, I went with some friends to visit an abandoned mental institution in Torrance, PA. The building was constructed in 1919, and shut down in 1967, following allegations of abuse. There is a new facility, currently in operation, within sight of the original structure. Unfortunately, we discovered the old hospital was surrounded by electrified fence, about 6′ high, and none of us were too comfortable with trying to circumvent it.
Luckily, while trying to park, one of us discovered some buildings of interest about 100 yards down the road… Continue reading
I'm an engineer by trade, and a photographer by hobby. In the fall of 2007, I bought my first digital SLR, a Nikon D40x, and haven't looked back yet. The majority of my photographic expeditions involve abandoned structures in Western Pennsylvania, but I'm never without my camera while on the road or at a Pirates game, and I have been known to take the occasional photo of a plant.