Illinois Railway Museum Blog

hi again, sorry for the delay. We have been in "season prep" mode for a while and while its been busy, there really has not been any significant changes. Cleanup and stage setting is one of those background but important roles we face as we approach the start of a new public season. When it comes time to set up, I am always amazed at just how much mess we made over the winter!

Not a lot of new photos but heres whats up...

On the Barn 3 front, Mike has made a lot of progress on the Lackawanna coach vestibule. New buffer springs were fabricated and after a bunch of tussles they were installed. Now the part comes to rebuild the platform itself.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album133

Out in Yard 5, we have been working from one end getting things put away and setting the stage. This is where I realized what a mess I made all winter. It took me three full days to get the RDC set up alone, and another full day to prepare Silver Ridge. Three to go . Anyone interested in simple housework is welcome.

RDC 9934 is more and more along the path to respectability. Thanks to Bill Wulfert, we located the missing cab window frame, and got it rebuilt and reglazed. We have repaired the number board lights and traced down the classification light circuit. No photos yet but hopefully I will have a chance to get a couple of night shots with the car lit, especially after i have the chance to get the numbers "corrected". 

In addition, we have set the car up to help tell the story. The front half of the car will be pretty much intact as it was inservice, baggage racks in place and all seating areas cleared out to provide the complete visual image. The rear half will be set up with multiple displays, not only about the RDC experience, but i hope to use the space to develop a comparison between Budd and Pullman. I have been fascinated by the similarities and the differences between the two major players in the railroad industry, and I hope to give folks a sense of the competition between them.

i have managed to locate several video presentations that will be appropriate for the display as well. right now, I plan 6 videos along the way, each in an appropriate location. I would like to find something about ACL and NP passenger service if anyone has any ideas.

Our goal remains being completed by May 2 weekend to support the museums first event of the year.

As always, if the steps are open to the RDC and the lights are on, that means folks are welcome, and the coffee pot is on.

 Come on by and say hi. Docents are still needed to open two parlor cars in Barn 3 as well as folks to be on hand in Yard 5 display. If you are interested in working on the cars, or just want to come out and visit with visitors as they go by, feel free to let us know.