Illinois Railway Museum Blog

We spent the day dodging rain showers and took the opportunity to visit the steam shop.

428

The UP 428 consolidation and its tender have been moved to the north end of the shop and can now peek out the door.  We learned that work is starting on the boiler jacket insulation of this engine.  We discussed jigs and fixtures for cutting the slabs of insulation and offered the use of a large saw in the woodshop.

Wheel Lathe Area

Rick Marzec is showing Victor Humphreys the new overhead crane by the massive wheel lathe.  It looks good!  But of course funds are greatly needed to complete the installation and electrical service, so send your donations in, please

Shay

Work continues on the tube sheet repairs on the front end of the shay.  You will see the bottom of the old tube sheet has been cut out.  The rolled new piece was being machined and drilled yesterday and is close to being ready to put in place.

1630

Here Stu Brush and Bill Chyna are machining a bearing thrust plate for the Frisco 1630 2-10-0.  One piece at a time, this engine is getting closer.