Those of you who read these entries regularly have seen that IRM has acquired a large model railroad via donation. The concept is to construct a permanent steel framed building along the Main Street alignment and to re-assemble the major components of this layout and to have it open for public display. Model railroads on exhibit during the Thomas Event, for instance, have proved very popular with visitors, and this would serve to add a new and different dimension to any IRM visit.
We have spent a lot of time and have developed many CONCEPT sketches and proposals. Here is an example of what the front facade of the new building MIGHT look like. It is pleasing to my eye, but then it would be since I drew it. I would say it is a long shot that the final product would more than resemble this view, but you should quickly get the idea of the potential.
I have been informed that at the January 14 meeting, the Board of Directors approved going ahead to the next steps which include fundraising and more detailed plans. We will be getting cost estimates and setting a fundraising goal and we will be contacting potential donors or sponsors for this attraction. In the meantime, a new restricted fund has been set up RMRD to collect and grow the money for this project. Any help in the way of donations, or perhaps of sponsors wishing to participate, or contractors willing to donate at least part of their services IN KIND, please contact me. Together, we can make this happen.
Comments
Wed, 04-11-2018 11:28
You mention in the header that you would like to have the Electroliner operational by its birthday. Was it?
Sun, 04-08-2018 20:03
As a child, IRM was always my favorite place to visit. Well, other than grandma's house next to the Geneva Sub. It's been many years since I now [...]
Wed, 04-04-2018 16:01
Those temporary walls could be constructed in a way that allows their reuse after the phase is done to close off the new phases.
Tue, 03-27-2018 03:08
Why did the smoke box cover on the shay need to be replace Do?
Mon, 03-26-2018 16:29
It never ceases to amaze me of the diligence and passion of the current mix of volunteers associated with IRM in 2018. Back when I was a active [...]
Mon, 03-26-2018 11:10
Awesome paint job Jamie!!! I never would of thought with the Rock Island history this locomotive in this scheme would of been preserved. Thanks for [...]
Sun, 03-25-2018 23:56
The Hick's blog lists it as Fruit Grower's Express FGEX #55407. Arrived in Union June 2016.
Sun, 03-25-2018 20:51
Good job on the diesel update 2018. Sincere, Ethan A.
Sun, 03-25-2018 20:45
Good job on the steam update 2018. Sincere, Ethan A.
Sun, 03-25-2018 00:12
Bill, The 1990 Roster has the PFE #68428; this may be the reefer that we saw moved. It is a rare car and deserves a paint job. Ted Miles, [...]
Fri, 03-16-2018 11:10
It would be rather difficult to operate an 11,000 Volt AC locomotive on our 600 Volt DC wire.
Thu, 03-15-2018 05:57
Good job steam update. Sincerely, Ethan A.