Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Entries from July 2010

Monday, July 12. 2010

Updates for July 10, 11, 2010 Posted by Robert Kutella in Freight Car Department at 05:32

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Updates for July 10, 11, 2010

Sorry for no pics but little opportunity to tote a camera around with the work being done.

This was a GRUELING weekend in high heat and humidity but a substantial amount of work done in many departments. For the Freight Department there were 26 pieces of equipment inspected. Passed - 3 cabooses and 21 freight cars. Failed - two freight cars. So STAY TUNED for some real work during some of the planned Diesel Days operations next weekend.

I would be remiss if it was not recognized that this could not have been done without the cooperation and active participation of the Internal Combustion Department. During the preceeding week, an enormous amount of switching and shuffling of cars was needed to get them out of the Barns and yards and into position. On both Saturday and Sunday they also supplied a locomotive, operator, and two to four additional volunteers to help as inspectors, car knockers, and gophers. Thank you all.

We are also putting plans into place for July 24 to have a dedication of the CHEVRON financed restoration of tank car IRCX 1277 and thanks to Dan Fenlaciki for giving this a quick wash job last night. A special train will operate and that will include the unveiling of UTLX 17222 in its newly completed restoration, and a rider caboose, CGW 601.

As we note in other planning, any number of things can go wrong or cause a delay, but that is a peek under the tent as things stand now.

There was additional lettering applied to URTX 26640, several windows glazed and painted for the CA&E cars, a motor and truck swap on the CTA single cars, a massive barn reorganization switch move for the Electric Car Department - lots of cars to see and photograph in their rare few hours exposure to daylight and fresh air, restoration progress on the Vera Cruz 19, painting on the CTS 4223, CTA 1797 door work, re-upholstered seats unpacked for the TM 972, the list goes on and on. Oh, did we mention that the Steam Department re-installed the fifth driver set under the decapod in a MARATHON Saturday work session?

Sunday, July 11. 2010

Trolley Bus Dept. Update 07/10/2010 Posted by Ray Piesciuk in Trolley Bus Department at 09:46

Trolley Bus Dept. Update 07/10/2010

This weekend was dedicated to cleaning out the interior of LA Brill 8002. Richard Schauer and I lugged the stuff to the front of the coach, then moving it all out the front door to the staging area beside the coach, finally to the final storage place to await reinstallation onto the coach. As with the other coaches from OERM, there was dust EVERYWHERE!!! We not only battled this when removing the parts, but sweeping the coach out afterward was a new adventure in dustiness.

The newly cleaned out interior of the 8002 looking toward the back of the coach

The interior of the 8002 looking toward the front

Friday, July 9. 2010

IC King Cotton and CNW 4103 Posted by Phil Stepek in Passenger Car Department at 22:11

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IC King Cotton and CNW 4103

a small note about donations to these two pieces of equipment. They really are appreciated.

Factual updates about them:

CNW 4103 is in really bad condition, and while the passenger dept is very aware of the cars history, we also are honestly not in position to make any restoration attempt at this point.

We are not actively pursuing scrapping, but it obviously will not get any better outside, therefore the cars first need is obviously to get indoors, at 68 plus feet in length the car will require about 13000 to get that done.

The good folks that have made recent donations toward this car are the first ones. If folks really want this piece saved, it will take a lot of money.

IC King Cotton is another piece that has recently received some donations.

As a point of clarification, while we hope to own this car someday, at this moment we do NOT own it. King Cotton is privately owned and the owners' estate has not formally transferred ownership to us. When the car is IRM owned, it of course will need some money for restoration and indoor storage, so the funds will not be for naught. For now, we cannot take any action with it.

Again, thanks to everyone that helps with their contributions.

Friday, July 9. 2010

Information search Posted by Phil Stepek in Special Exhibits Display at 21:20

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Information search

As our organization approaches its 60th birthday, some passenger folks are at a very early stage of exploring the possibility of creating a historical exhibit about IRM within the special display cars in Yard 5.

We hope to involve as many of our great volunteers as we can, with artifacts, photos or just plain memories.

We will try to keep folks updated as we progress, but if anyone has anything they feel would be appropriate for this type of presentation, please let Ray Bellock, Phil or Jon Habegger know.

Friday, July 9. 2010

A brief Olympus Update Posted by Phil Stepek in CBQ Olympus at 20:24

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A brief Olympus Update

We are still attempting to move toward acquisition on Olympus, with funds coming slowly, but steadily.

for those that are not aware, we have been offered the CBQ Budd built baggage car Olympus

This car was one of two built in 1947 for the Trains of the Gods and Goddesses, when they were reassigned to NZ service.

In addition, when the 1956 Denver Zephyr trainset was built, Olympus was reassigned to that service. So it not only fits with our Goddess train, but also would be appropriate with Silver Ridge as well.

Argo was destroyed in a wreck in the 90s , therefore not only is Olympus a worthy addition to our collection, but it is THE ONLY ONE.

The car has sustained corner damage, which we do not deny; however, it is Budd built (stainless) and dry inside. Baggage doors and one of the two human doors work.

The catch is that we need to be reasonably sure we can afford the cost of acquiring. Estimates are 5-6000 to make it roadworthy, and 23-2500 to transport it from its current location on live UP rail.

photos taken this spring are at

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album237

Donations are still sorely needed and folks that are interested can make donations to the fund ROLYMPUS at the museum.

unfortunately there is no direct donation site on the website, but the office can do it over the phone if you wish, or drop it off in the Streamliner sleeper train any day we are there.

Friday, July 9. 2010

Passenger Dept Update 2010-07-09 Posted by Phil Stepek at 20:13

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Passenger Dept Update 2010-07-09

just to keep folks updated a bit, with our monthly report to the museum for the folks that cant get by.

busy times with maintenance ongoing. A bit of progress on a couple of cars, as we go through midsummer.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS

Coach inspections continue.

As of July 4 weekend, only two Rock Island cars still need to have their annual inspections.

The down side is that they are the two cars that require significant repair before service.

One requires a wheel swap, and the second is getting a new ceiling.

Plans are in place to complete these projects in time for Thomas

The electrical conversion of passenger cars continues.

With the latest inspections, we have cut approx 15 amps of power draw from the display circuit.

This not only reduces the electrical use within the barn, but also lowers the demand threshold on the electrical system of each car.

We are beginning a program of developing info on more cars within Barn 3, to allow us to order the large metal informational signs for remaining cars on display.

Another project moving along a bit is our intention to develop a method of enclosing areas of the parlor cars , thereby allowing us to open them for view by our guests.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS

DLW coaches (3)

Changes are progressing , but not yet completed.

Two cars are in service.

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

Rock Island Coaches (4)

Two cars have received inspections,

one car is getting a ceiling replaced, and should be painted this week

one car requires new wheels. Mike had made plans to accomplish the task this month, following the July 4th event

CBQ RPO 1923

The car is currently being opened for exterior inspection on weekends, but we await getting it turned around for the full scope of the display to be viewed by our guests.

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 painting and reassembly of the lounge area continues. Hardware installation also continues.

B&M 3288/1094

Refinishing of both the seating and dining area has reached a completion point, and Jack is now beginning to refurbish the kitchen area. He does not expect to restore a complete kitchen, but I am sure his plan includes repair of woodwork, and then a possible display area. We still are considering the move of the car to a better display location, once the two commuter coaches behind it are ready to be removed. In addition, we have begun to explore the electrical system in the car, and hope to be able to activate the cars' ceiling fixtures soon, further enhancing the display. We also have located the vestibule steps on property and he hopes to get them reinstalled this year.

YARD 5 DISPLAY

Safety and anti climb signs have been posted on many of the pieces within the yard, in an attempt to make the area safer and more consistent.

In addition to the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars. This display re-opened for the July 4th weekend, and we hope to have it open for public display throughout the remainder of the summer.

Three exhibits are now in place;

a). A display of railroad artwork by George C Clark,

b). a poster and informational display of the WW2 /railroad effort, and Pullman troop sleeper

c). a program explaining the role of the railroad postal clerk. This display is still in progress, and the plan by the program leaders is to tell the chronological story of the service , and end with a display of the experiences at IRM. This display will tie in with a more visible display within the RPO car itself in Barn 3 , as soon as we can get the car turned around for visibility. We also have the rights to present a "living history" video produced by a team member from Eastern Illinois University.

We are installing a "coming attractions" board near the entrance,

a) The Freight Dept already has been preparing for a freight traffic display

b) a Chicago Railroad Fair exhibit from Ray Bellock

c) and are in the early planning for a possible living history of IRM , especially as we approach our 60th anniversary. Several folks here have expressed interest, and we hope to put them together to create a solid presentation.

Continue reading "Passenger Dept Update 2010-07-09"

Tuesday, July 6. 2010

Holiday Weekend - July 3, 4, 5 2010 Posted by Robert Kutella in Freight Car Department at 05:22

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Holiday Weekend - July 3, 4, 5 2010

A very long and very hot weekend. They had predicted rain Sunday afternoon and most of Monday , but none of that happened during our operating hours. Much ado and activity regarding the Trolley Parade and we also hosted a Large Scale Trolley modeling event as has been our custom in recent years. Not too much time for me to lug around the camera and snap images, burning electrons along the way, but here is one of the modelers group.

Modelers Group

There was also a lot of other activity in many areas.

John Frett has been working hard to do some maintenance and painting on the Thrall Door car, and trust me, painting on the roof in the recent hot weather is no picnic.

We finally had a chance to begin maintenance and inspections Saturday, for our freight car and caboose fleet. Time was cut short due to an Electric Car Department meeting so we did not manage to complete even one car in good working order. Thanks to Victor Humphreys, Gerry Dettloff, and 'visiting fireman' David Johnston from California for the fine work. By way of example, there was accumulated water in some of the journal boxes requiring they be pumped out and refilled with fresh oil. A crack in the coupler on the UP caboose, meaning a change in the wind there. Two bad angle cocks, stuck hand brakes, missing brake shoes, one bad journal box cover, and the list goes on.

For the Sand Springs 68, the final ceiling light fixture has been repaired and installed.

I also managed to continue applying lettering on the URTX 26640. Forty five characters, which seemed little enough, placed in the context of how much goes on the side of that car.

The wood shop crew took the bait and we now have four newly glazed drop sash windows for the CA&E 409 and they are installed. Thanks in large measure to Rich Witt and Kirk Warner!

By Monday afternoon I started tackling some of the work needed to remove the defective coupler from UP 3786. I had a very able assistant in the person of Gwyn Stupar. Heavy wrenches, stuck bolts, and broken parts.

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Comments

Jim Patlyek about Diesel Days line up, Saturday, July 19th, 2014
Sat, 07-19-2014 21:02
Great show today; 100% improved from last year. Ran at a faster pace which kept it interesting. Also, the brief synopsis of each loco made it very [...]

Buzz about Diesel Days line up, Saturday, July 19th, 2014
Sat, 07-19-2014 19:39
Missed the push me pull you this year. If you guys do a high noch engine pulling dynamic breaking load the X-5000 should go in the middle. Chuck said [...]

Richard about A great week, July, 8 thur July, 12
Sat, 07-19-2014 16:42
Roger, Is IRM going to pursue acquisition of RI commuter coach 2702 -- the one for sale for $11,000? It's an important link in the development of [...]

Mike Gorecki about Steam Department Update 06-27-2014
Sat, 07-19-2014 10:37
On the IRM home page, click on "Site Imndex". There you will find, about halfway down, "View a map of the IRM grounds". The Schmidt cutoff is shown [...]

Nigel Bennett about Steam Department Update 06-27-2014
Fri, 07-18-2014 23:45
I do not have a map although the museum office can provide visitor maps. The cut off will run from beside the steam service boxcar to a new switch [...]

Nigel Bennett about Steam Department Update 07-17-2014
Fri, 07-18-2014 23:44
Yes, removing the cab roof is essential if we raise the boiler. The Shay cab was designed to split allowing the upper part to be lifted for this [...]

Logan about Steam Department Update 07-17-2014
Fri, 07-18-2014 22:27
Let's just say that you guys have to lift the boiler from the shay to replace the stays, would you guys also have to take off the cab? Also, I really [...]

Keith Z about 2014 Diesel Days, July 19th and 20th
Fri, 07-18-2014 20:25
How long does the parade of power usually last once it has started, two hours or so?

Robert J about 2014 Diesel Days, July 19th and 20th
Thu, 07-17-2014 18:20
Will MILW HH660 1603 be on display outside this weekend?

malcolm matthews about Steam Department Update 06-27-2014
Thu, 07-17-2014 14:38
Nigel, I noticed in your last post you mentioned the new route (the Schmidt cut-off). Do you have a map that labels everything (for us who are not [...]

Robert J about 2014 Diesel Days, July 19th and 20th
Thu, 07-17-2014 12:13
Will MILW HH660 1603 be outside on display for the weekend?

J. D. about 2014 Diesel Days, July 19th and 20th
Thu, 07-17-2014 09:48
Raffi, 92 has NOT run at IRM, and there is NOTHING to indicate that CNW 1518 has a seized engine