Illinois Railway Museum Blog

ok ok i know I have not posted anything for a while. I really apologize. With the two large events for the dept (Memorial day and RPO weekend) added to the ongoing maintenance and work in Barn 3 and Yard 5 i just havent had a lot of extra energy when I get near a computer.

I hope to add photos soon as well to document some of the work that has gone on

Progress on B&M car, ATSF 2544, DLW structural work and CRIP ceiling repairs are all going on

I have added the last report to the Board here as well. I hope it answers some of the questions. Feel free to ask if something else isnt covered .

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS 

Early season progress continues to take place  

We were able to support both the Memorial Day and RPO weekends with significant equipment, all inspected and repaired for season.

Mike and crew were able to not only provide a seven car train for Memorial Day but actually managed to perform some significant repairs along the way, and still made the deadline. two cars had defective brake valves, and both were repaired.   

An advantage of this early season inspection is that the routine testing will be completed, and should prevent any "surprises"  as we approach our annual visit from the Island of Sodor. 

We have been successful in completing conversion of  two more passenger cars, DMIR 84 and IC 2804,  from 32vdc to 120vac lighting.

The change has created a much more visible interior for the cars, as well as reducing the electrical load for display.

In addition, the blowers in 2804 have been routed through a transformer to allow for their use while the train is in revenue service if electricity is provided.

We now are in position to have 14 of the 16 cars inside Barn 3 lit for display, and eight of these are now operating on 120vac lighting.

Power demands are assessed for each car, and listed beside the breaker panel for information if needed. 

Besides the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars.

They were cleaned and prepped in time for their use by the WW2 display folks and they seemed to have enjoyed the space.

The first car is completely useable now, and the second car is lit as a passage, with expanded exhibit space now a very real possibility.

We are now supporting Ray Bellock in his attempt to install more exhibits for the remainder of the summer.

 The ideas have included a Chicago Railroad Fair display as well as a freight traffic exhibit, and a possible expanded Railroad Mail Service exhibit to enhance our annual RPO event.  

The next project is to complete ceiling repairs in CRIP 2555 and then complete the vestibule and entry on the third DLW coach. 

With the budget approved, the wheel switch on the CRIP coach also remains a plan for this season. 

Within the limits of Barn 3, we are also trying to make the space more visitor friendly, rearranging storage and making an effort to remove inactive equipment and supplies. 

Yard 5 visitor path signs are in place, and seem to be improving the traffic pattern there. 

We await the script information requested from Roger Kramer to add signage to other cars in Barn 3 as well as on exterior display 

          Standard safety equipment is now in place in all revenue units, including electric cars. Operating crews no longer need to locate and inspect safety equipment prior to use,

In addition, success of the program depends upon monthly inspection to ensure proper placement.

Further slight expansion of the system will be needed prior to Thomas but no problem with that goal is forseen.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS 

DLW coaches (3)

Changes are progressing , but not yet completed.

           Two cars are in service.

          Repainting of the roofs on the two cars in service was completed

          The third car is progressing in the repair of the vestibule, but is on hold until the car inspections are completed.

The platform is in place, and the door and frame have been remounted.  

CBQ RPO 1923

          The success of the RPO weekend leads to our intent to create a more active display within the car.

We have acquired permission to use a Living history DVD produced at EIU, and have planned a method of securing the doorways to allow interior views for our guests during periods when no docent is available.

 ATSF 2544

          The prep work for the second side of seats has continued.

 Seat frames are being prepared and the wall work nears completion, with paint work is completed, we now await the opportunity to complete the seat frames and reinstall them.  

Dover Strait

          Progress continues piecemeal, as reassembly of the lounge area continues.  Corridor painting continues, and hardware installation also continues.             

 B&M 3288/1094

          No significant changes, beyond the continued progress. Part of the plan for summer includes the possible move of the car to a location where exterior work can be done. 

Yard 5 display 

The sleeper display has been open as planned, and interior function has been successful. We have altered some of the videos to support events at the museum, having creating several WW2 displays for Memorial Day, and we hope to have North Shore videos running for Chicago weekend in honor of 749 rededication.