Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Here is an exciting report submitted by member and volunteer Ray Bellock -

You may have noticed the removal of sod and soil and deposit of a first installment of a sub-base on a large area on the north side of Barn 3. This is the site being prepared for a children’s play area using playscapes with a train theme on the largest piece that will be installed.

Right Side

Left Side

This project is moving along with uncommon speed for us and will definitely be open for the majority of our summer schedule. Three separate pieces are being installed in this project.  It is moving speedily as a major funding was made by one of our members, supplemented with funds and labor from Dave Diamond’s B & G Department, to get these three pieces. What is common for this project with others around the campus is the need for more funding to add one missing piece to a small child train set ($2900) and about $1000 for landscaping to create an attractive but effective barrier between the play area and the east leg of the wye. If you believe in this as a needed addition to our museum and would like to see it finished or replicated elsewhere on the grounds, your donations of any amount will be gratefully accepted.  A separate restricted account has been established “Playground Project” and be assured that your donation will be used promptly towards these identified needs. Please note that the price of the missing piece will rise if we don’t commit to get it as part of the current order being shipped, so  please consider helping soon.