Illinois Railway Museum Blog

I got to visit the shop for the first time following my January 12 injury, and got to take a few pics, although still not cleared to drive myself out there or to do much actual work.

Molder

Here is the Fay molder/sticker with completed guard cage for the flat belts.  Only awaiting an operator with two good arms right now.  Do I see any volunteers?

Tenoner

And here is our H. B. Smith tenoner from the Illinois Traction System.  This century old machine has seen a lot of progress with clean up, painting, repairs, and the start of an elaborate cage to guard the multitude of belts needed to run the machine.

Chicago Rapid Transit 1268 - Tim Peters has spent much time over the recent bad weather months on this wood bodied rapid transit car.

30 Windows in 30 Days!!

Yes that caption is correct.  30 new windows manufactured in 30 days - but working seven days per week.  This view shows Tim Peters at the rear of the Berlin sander, Dick Lukin feeding new frames in, and Henry Vincent assisting.

Note the stacks of frames ready to sand, or which have just been completed.  In addition to the side windows (three different sizes) there were two motorman's windows and four cab windows for the North Shore 757 which went through the process.

Sanded Frame

Tim is catching the sanded frames about one every 25 seconds.  The machine makes short work of finished sanding and smoothing the glue joints.

Side Door

In his spare time working with the many windows, Tim has rebuilt the third side door for the 1268, used to load passengers.