Illinois Railway Museum Blog

      This news from the woodshop has been provided to me by  George "Buzz" Morisette.  Many different projects are being work on in our shop facilities.    We all are especially thankful that we have this fine HEATED area to work on these many projects.  Lorne Tweed has just finished painting the underside of the motorman's platform for our Cleveland PCC  Bill is painting wood siding for the "Pennsy" Cabin car. Many people call it a caboose but in Pennsylvania RR terms it was called a "Cabin."  This project will start this coming year.  If and when the snow and cold ever leaves. Dave, also part of Freight Car Team,  is painting more siding for the Cabin.  What a fine job!  Victor is looking mighty proud because the stove has been finally cleaned of dirt and rust.Here is a upclose shot of the insignia that was found underneath the rust.  No doubt about it.   It's a Pennys stove!  Victor was showing everyone this headlight!  This will be the headlight for the CGW Russell plow and is completely restored and ready for installation.  Many parts were donated, scrounged and repaired to make this one whole.  Good job guys!  This addition will return the plow to it as built look. We could have used the Russell a few weeks ago.   Rich Witt spends a lot of time at this table.  Not pictured but receiving a lot of attention is the fine work Jeff Brady and Norn Krental are doing on the ME 28! Here Buzz took a picture of Randy Hicks and Larry Stone working on the 3rd rail  beams for their ongoing project, CA&E 36  Here Randy poses for this picture.   Buzz decided to take his picture since Randy is the one, generally, taking the picture.Buzz has been working on a new project for the display cars.  It will be a new display case to house and interpret our many railroad lanterns.   These oak cabinet bases have just been glued and are in the glue press for drying.  This project Buzz has been working at home installing new wire or the future installation into the dining room of the Ely.   This will be the finishing touch for a three year restoration of the ceiling in the private car. Buzz has acquired from the UPRR an original decal that will be applied later this year to our UP Turbine  #18.    Lastly, here is a view of the Electroliner sitting in Barn 4 waiting to be spotted over the pit to begin the removal of damaged traction motors.   Rod Turner  is leading this very important project!  The motors will be then sent to a contractor and rebuilt to our specifications and then reinstalled.  No easy task!                      Did you ever wonder what becomes of your donations to the various projects?   This is a prime example of money being used from your contributions to better these projects and others around our museum campus.   With income tax season here why not consider a donation of some of your refund to a project or two at the Illinois Railway Museum.    You will be amazed how we can stretch a dollar!    Thanks to Buzz Morisette for photographing the pictures and the idea for the update.        Roger

           The first weekend of February was a busy one.  Here are a few highlights.                 This is just a few views of the activity in the shop.  The cold weather does not keep these diehards from coming out and working on their favorite projects.   Please consider joining the crew.      Roger

       The coach department is announcing for a limited time, the following special offer.  We have found a box of original coffee mugs manufactured by the previous owner of the Susann Marie.  These cups were produced for the PV and used on trips taken by the owner in the early days of Amtrak.  These mugs are not replicas! They are actuall railroad china used with his car.   Here is a picture of one of the mugs.

       For a donation of $100.00 or more  the museum passenger coach dept. will send you one of these beautiful mugs! Please include your return address when sending in your donation.    Shipping and Handling are included!    I would say that's a pretty good offer!              The purpose for this fund raiser is to use this money to repair the Susan Marie for operation again on our railroad.   Please send your donation to the museum and mark it Susan Marie.   In turn we will send you one of these beautiful coffee mugs.  Please, only one mug per order!    If you would like to pick up your mug in person please  stop by the coach department in barn 3 and see Paul Cronin or myself.         Please, enjoy your warm coffee, tea, or hot chocolate while drinking out of this beautiful one-of-a-kind railroad mug.   And thanks for helping place the Susan Marie back into operation.     Yes, any donations  to the Susan Marie are greatly accepted, large or small, but only for $100. or more  will you receive a free original mug.    Remember, quantities are very limited, so please don't wait to send in for one of these beautiful mugs benefitting the  Susan Marie.  Thanks again, and please enjoy your new mug!                           Roger Kramer