The small band of volunteers are working on three ongoing projects in the Coach Department. The progress is being made on the Mt Harvard, Milwaukee Road 649 and the John Mcloughlin. Here are the updates for your viewing pleasure. First, is the Mt Harvard and its interior restoration. I have been slowly working on the interior with the goal of repainting the hallway leading into the lounge area of the sleeper. Before I purchased the car from Mid Continent RR Museum, its previous owner, Dick Goddard, begin the interior up grade by repainting the lounge and priming part of the hallway. I thought that would be a good place to start where he left off. The hallway was partially stripped but never finish painted. After a few weeks of work it has been primed and now has a finish top coat.
This is a massive restoration commitment and a personal goal of mine is to restore the Mt Harvard to limited service at the museum. Before I go on I would like to thank the following crew members for their help; Dale Steichen, Bob Olsen and Kari, Sandi, Paul and Charley Voyda. Now, once the interior is painted and in good shape I will turn my attention to the exterior. That means, basically, finding a welder to work on the installation of new steel panels for the vestibule area and also along the exterior side of the sleeper below the lounge area. A large amount of money. Perhaps, $9000 FOR JUST THAT WORK. The other large expense is the manufacture of major vestibule parts. They include two traps, two stairs and the rebuilding of the two vestibule doors. Since I have some of the parts already in storage the expense should be somewhat less, maybe $7000. Again my goal is to have the Mt Harvard in operation on our demonstration heavyweight steam train showing the membership and educating the general public the significance of passenger trains to the American economy. If you would like to help with this project please consider a donation the Mt Harvard fund. And by all means when visiting IRM please stop by and visit the Mt Harvard. Its currently located in Barn 11. Thanks, Roger Kramer
Comments
Tue, 01-19-2021 20:11
Dear, IRM The N and W 611 is coming to the IRM 2021 NHS. OK IRM.
Fri, 01-15-2021 10:20
Hello Jason. Your comments are very much appreciated. Yes, there is much hard work that goes into all our restorations and maintenance here at the [...]
Fri, 01-15-2021 10:13
Hello Jack Yes, It will be one of our most impressive cars that we have at IRM when its completed. Thanks for the pat on the back! Roger.
Thu, 01-14-2021 21:05
Those cars look great so far guys! Man I wish I had the time to volunteer and become a member at IRM that looks like so much fun especially with how [...]
Tue, 01-12-2021 16:30
the pawnee is looking great a pat on the back to all involved
Wed, 01-06-2021 10:14
Good job on coach updates January 5, 2021. Sincerely, Ethan A.
Mon, 01-04-2021 12:31
Hello Jack Happy New Year from IRM. To my knowledge there was no damage from the minor ice storm that we had in late December, 2020. Some [...]
Sun, 01-03-2021 20:12
the museum area had lots of ice storms in area did the museum get a lot of damage
Thu, 12-24-2020 13:27
roger, Thank you to all of the Passenger car department volunteers. The #109 is going to be a great car when all done! Ted miles, [...]
Sun, 12-06-2020 08:46
Hello Ted We havenot finished lettering the 975 but we are well on the way. Look for a few blogs from me now that the wearther is colder and the [...]
Sat, 12-05-2020 18:36
i watched crew replace switch by diesel shop on dec 5. its good to see museum have equipment to do job and save money
Fri, 12-04-2020 14:56
It has been a long time with no news; have you finished lettering the Southern Pacific locomotive? Please post a picture. Ted Miles, IRM Member