Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Yes, more information regarding the on going 428 and the ShayOk, now to the Main Event.  As I have said before, the push is on to complete the Shay this year.  The next pictures shows how the museum works together to get a job done and done correctly.  April is right around the corner.    Come out and visit your museum!     Thanks   Roger

The new year has brought a lot of action in the steam shop.   Every Saturday brings about 20 volunteers to the museum largest venue.   Whether working on the shay, machining parts for the UP 428 or installing new shelves for storage of parts the members are making a difference.    Yes, the restoration on the shay is continuing.   If all goes according to plan it should be available for service later this year.           Want to join the Steam Team?  Make American history come alive by volunteering.  The ability to work along side equipment and machinery pertaining  to the American steam locomotive is a real draw.   Like one of the new young volunteers just recently said"  this is better than working on my train set at home!"   Can't make it to the museum because of other commitments?  Why not, then, consider a donation to the Steam Shop Fund!   You will be supporting the museum's volunteers and there efforts.    O, Yes, for those who drive,  there is plenty of parking: right next to the Steam Shop.     Thanks  Roger Kramer

Here is more news from our crew working on coach projects.  This covers the time line from about January 15 to late February 2017. By the time were are done this winter season we will have painted approximately 400 individual parts for this the last Rock Island Restoration.          This is indeed a proud moment. The next two pictures are of me holding a newly manufactured part for the John Mcloughlin.  This steel frame is the culmination of three years of  restoration and planning of the women's washroom in the John Mcloughlin Pullman sleeper.    Many people were involved in the remake of this missing frame.   First, Ted Anderson and the Pullman Library found the drawings then the Used Bookstore gang supplied the funds to manufacture it,  Henry Vincent and Rich Witt remade all the wooden parts to  be used to secure the glass mirror to the frame, and lastly R and B Metal of Woodstock, Illinois did the work.  Thanks to all those who contributed their time and talents. Would you like to donate a few $  towards our restoration efforts!   Just call Jan in our office and she will be happy to help you! Its been a while but do you remember when the temperature was 60 degrees.   Here's the results when the warm weather finally stays around.   Shirt sleeves!!     A few more updates will be forthcoming.  I'm finally catching up.      Roger