Illinois Railway Museum Blog

We have endured some fairly serious health issues these past few months.  A majority of the department was hit with appendicitis (and you thought it wasn’t contagious).  First Jerry in late December, then Richard, less than two months later.  Jerry’s burst so his recovery will take quite a while, but Richard caught it early and he is already back to 100%.  I’m keeping a close watch for pains down there!

Over the last 15 years, after struggling with those that act up, we must have said a hundred times, “we need to have a retriever day” to fix them.  Well, retriever “day” has turned into retriever winter.  Wally, Richard and I have been tearing apart, cleaning, oiling, identifying parts needing replacement, and putting back together retrievers all winter long.  Until the weather warms up enough to start working on the LA Brill, we will continue to do this.  We just about have the entire operating fleet ready to go with newly refurbished retrievers.  Thanks to Richard’s expert oversight, no one has lost any fingers in the process!  A HUGE thanks also to the Car Department for letting us invade their shop to take advantage of their tools, parts washer, and most importantly, their building heat.  I know that Saturday there were people looking for painter’s tape, dust masks and small scrapers.  As a small token of our appreciation, a supply of those items will be brought out and donated to your department next weekend.  Thanks guys!!!

Richard and I have also spent some time working on the roster (almost ready to go!) and, working with Bob Heinlein, filling Snowflake Special ticket orders.  We are around half sold-out already so you may want to get your tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.