News and Publicity

Leviathan #63, an American 4-4-0 steam locomotive, will operate two more days at the Illinois Railway Museum this weekend, Museum Showcase Weekend - September 17th and 18th, pulling coaches and delighting many. This may be the last opportunity this year to ride behind Leviathan, with both day and night trips, and experience the sights and sounds of a live steam locomotive.

About the Leviathan... In 1868, the Central Pacific Railroad purchased four steam locomotives from Schenectady Locomotive Works. They were The Jupiter #60, The Storm #61, The Whirlwind #62 and The Leviathan #63. This Leviathan #63 replica is America's newest operating steam locomotive that was built from scratch by Kloke Locomotive Works, LLC beginning in 1999. It is a fully operable steam locomotive that has been on display under steam at a few events around the midwest. Read more about Leviathan 63 at http://www.leviathan63.com/ and about its operation at IRM at http://www.irm.org/events/Leviathan63.html.

Museum Showcase Weekend celebrates the Museum collection and honors the members who make it work! Daytime operations begin at 10:00AM on Saturday and Sunday and end about 5:30PM. Trains leave the main station approximately every 15 minutes or as required. Night operations begin at 8:00PM on Saturday, September 17th.

The Nebraska Zephyr will operate both Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th, along with many other pieces of historic railway equipment, including Caboose trains, Interurbans, Steetcars and more. For a complete list of equipment operating, visit Museum Showcase Weekend Information.

Your admission ticket entitles you to an unlimited number of train rides, as well as our several barns with over two miles of indoor track, and our collection of over 400 pieces of railroad rolling stock. Your membership includes admission to the Museum, a subscription to Rail & Wire, and more.

The Illinois Railway Museum is an independent volunteer operation, relying on admission fees, membership dues, and contributions. It is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational corporation. Schedules and operating equipment subject to change without notice.

For information about the Museum, visit our website at http://www.irm.org/ or recorded information available by calling 815-923-4000 or 800-BIG-RAIL.

We look forward to seeing you and your family and friends.