Entries by Phil Stepek

general info for the month, as we begin the winter portion of the season.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS

Most of October was spent supporting the Terror event.

Other winter plans include:

Completion of the DLW 556 coach, including a thorough cleaning and repainting of interior ceiling. Also, work continues on the platform of the car.

Repairs to DLW coach brakes that malfunctioned after Thomas, awaiting parts fabrication.

Working on the ATSF 2544 combine restoration, we hope to have the seat frames finished this winter, and finish installation of seats.

Car corner repairs to the vestibule of CRIP 2571 coach.

Improvements and repairs to the second Exhibit car in preparation for additional exhibits in 2011.

EQUIPMENT REPORTS

Inbound Acquisitions

Incoming acquisitions are making progress, but each has become complicated by factors.

The CBQ 1309 baggage car in Denver had some administrative problems but all seem to have been resolved thanks to the efforts of the Executive Director.

Dome car plans have been made in Arizona, with the cooperation of the donating agency.

Trucks have been identified and pulled out for the pending arrival of the dome car.

The trucks on hand have some significant issues that will require work before they can be installed on any car, but they have finally been located behind Barn 3 where work can be performed.

Mikes inspection of Olympus reveals a truck issue, no pedestal liners on the cars trucks, and the car will be transported via flat car as well. The cost of the move is being determined by the Executive Director.

The upside is that there of course will be no repair charges to make the car roadworthy as it is not travelling, and it should arrive without shipping damage.

Because Silver Pony has its skirts, the shop trucks we have will not fit, so the plan is to swap Olympus trucks to the dome, and place the shop trucks under the Olympus.

Hopefully, we will only need to use one day of crane work to do all the re-assembly work on the cars when they get here. That would be to set them all off of their flatcars and back on trucks. 

Based on current information, we feel all inbound costs for all three cars should be able to be funded with money already on hand.

Many thanks to the donors over the past season, and continuing now, who have supported our efforts to acquire these cars with financial responsibility. While the task is not yet complete, and there of course will be costs to get all of these cars "up and running", we are off to a great start. 

The Olympus AND the CBQ 1309 donation sites now exist on the IRM store, but the Silver Pony site is not yet on the page.

We hope to resolve this issue soon, as it obviously makes it much easier for donors

DLW coaches (3)

 One car, 567, is in service

The restoration of the DLW 556 coach is back on track following Thomas. The floor has been repaired and hardware has been reinstalled. As noted elsewhere, interior restoration is planned for this winter, to hopefully complete the car for 2011 use.        

           561 suffered a brake malfunction during revenue service, and it appears to be an accumulation of wear and component failures that finally caused the brakes of one axle to lock on.  Wood frame parts have been fabricated, and we are waiting for outside manufacture of steel parts.

Rock Island Coaches (4)

As noted earlier, four revenue Rock Island coaches are now in service. The fifth remains awaiting restoration

One car will require a window to be re-glazed following the Terror event, but should not delay use of the car next season.

CBQ RPO 1923

The open display and exhibit of the Railway Postal clerks both in the car itself and within the Exhibit cars seems to have been a successful presentation.

Brake system malfunction is once again noted during late season inspections, as the brakes were hanging up on the last day of Members Weekend. Small leaks were noted by the brake cylinder in the piping, and the brake valve appears to stick on and not release, and so a significant repair of the system is in process.

It appears that this car, as the DLW coach as well, is suffering from "old age" deterioration, and will receive significant repairs to provide a long term solution.

ATSF 2544

This car has also been converted to 110vac lighting. The conversion has removed another 5 amps of power consumption from Barn 3 and will also reduce the cost of lamp replacement.

The prep work for the second side of seats has continued, but has stalled a bit as other projects have made demands on the time of the department. While there has been no significant progress recently, it remains a goal for the off season.

Dover Strait

The interior of the car is approaching completion.

Exterior undercarriage cosmetics were performed over a 2-3 week period, and much of the interior "finishing" is expected over winter.

Interior displays and exhibits continue to be plan for the 2011 season. The next major project is to carpet the interior.

A longer range plan is to inspect the cars brakes for possible revenue service in the future.

GN John McGloughlin

While restoration on this car is not overtly visible, it does continue. Paint repair to exterior surfaces, and repair/restoration of bathrooms continues.

 B&M 3288/1094

The restoration continues,

The dining area and coach areas are approaching completion, and Jack has begun the backdating of the kitchen area.

We also hope to inspect the electrical system of the car soon, with the plan to energize the light fixtures.

Long range plans to arrange movement to a new location within the display remain on hold until the completion of the two commuter cars under repair. 

NP 230 Baggage

The Wednesday special Projects group has begun cosmetic restoration of this car to original NP Loewy Green design.

This is keeping with the intent to make Yard 5 a display area, with effort to present equipment in a positive light.

YARD 5 DISPLAYS

The streamliner sleeper set will once again be decorated for the holidays.

The special exhibit cars will have the electrical service improved. Most of the needed items for new service have arrived.

Max has ordered parts and has assured us the car will be wired for winter, which will allow display work to progress for next year. Due to his current employment out of town, his schedule is a bit irregular, but we hope to make the car functional for winter preparations to be carried out.

The cars will require some exterior work for longer term performance, as there is significant rust one the lower wall of the heavyweight car. We would like to install a security camera system for the interior to protect our increased quantity of exhibits. Both costs have been presented as part of the dept budget for 2011.

Restoration work on the streamliner set includes repairs as well as planned work on some of the cars.

A review of the Yard 5 space is also being discussed to account for the (soon) future placement of the CBQ Havelock baggage car, as well as the potential display changes prompted by the incoming passenger dept acquisitions.

Our concern with planning for the entire yard includes a recognition that the Planning Committee made recommendation to utilize the space within the paved area as display, while providing space on the east end of the yard area for diesel storage.

While the plan presented will require a switching between the 52 and 53 tracks, and will also require modification to the electrical service feed in the service aisle,  it will provide a long term stable display area, which can be "prepped" for our guests.

First thanks to the Board, the acquisition is approved, and we can move forward to getting the car here.

Second, we have known for some time that the car had a bad wheelset, and would require replacement before it could be moved.

Well as of today, the wheelset is acquired!

now we await the axle swap in Madison, and then FRA approval to get it home.

Brakes and air work is already done. with a bit of luck we can get it here at the same time as all the other cars, and make it one big crane and welcoming party

Many many folks have made contributions large and small to help defray the cost of this car, and I am really grateful for the support I have received over the summer towards this project.

Thank you !!!!!

While donations over the summer have covered much of the cost of acquisition, but the jobs not done quite yet. We need to pay for track space and some work once the car gets here. The track charges alone will amount to about $5500, and the sooner we can make a dent it that the better for all parties involved.

Just to make sure everyone understands, the idea of track space is to fund the track department that does all the magic of keeping the railroad operating, and not small task. Ties alone are about $30 each right now, and on two foot centers, that is a lot of ties for a simple project.

The car is about 73 feet long, and the current cost for rail and ties is about $75/foot.

The fund involved is ROLYMPUS, donations can be made online, in person or by phone to the office or by mail.

We hope to get some new pictures of thc car up soon, Mike Baksic is going to inspect the car next week, so perhaps later on i will get the up.

Ok folks I have been remiss in not updating pix for all the work being done. Sorry

So here is juat a little bit. Bragging on Bob and Stan on the Dover and Jack on the B&M car

In addition i got some new shots of the Havelock Baggage repairs, and they hope to have it done before winter.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/album205

http://www.irm.org/gallery/DoverStrait

http://www.irm.org/gallery/BM3288

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS

Thomas was encountered

One car on the Thomas train suffered a hot box during one operating day

with the assist from Rod Turner, the car was removed to the pit and serviced same day.

It was determined that the lubricating pad was not feeding to the bearing surface.

Cause is still unknown

The bearing was replaced, pad replaced and inspected

The car was returned to service the following day and performance was monitored by passenger dept following each trip, with no further incidents.

a mainline DLW coach experienced a brake hangup the last trip of revenue service on the last day of Thomas' visit, and is currently out of service receiving repairs.

Final inspection of Barn 3 following the end of weekday operations was completed, and displays are now shut down between weekends to reduce power consumption as well as wear.

The plan to secure car interiors, while still very much planned, has stalled a bit as we have been busy with other display and department needs.

Our next event priority is preparation for a significant operating display for Showcase Weekend.

Inspections have made a 6 car heavyweight train and a five car streamliner sleeper train possible,

If the decision is to lengthen the heavyweight train, the four CRIP cars are available, operational with different roof lines. 

Other winter plans include:

completion of the third DLW coach restoration,

completion of the ATSF combine restoration

structural repairs to the vestibule of one CRIP coach

improvements and repairs to the second Exhibit car in preparation for additional exhibits in 2011

continued review of electrical demands inside Barn 3

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS

DLW coaches (3)

 The restoration of the third DLW coach has been on hold during the Thomas event and other repairs.

           One car is in service.

           The second car suffered a brake malfunction during revenue service, and appears to be an accumulation of wear and component failures that finally caused the brakes of one axle to lock on.  Parts are being fabricated to perform the necessary repairs.

           The third car is progressing in the repair of the vestibule, but is on hold until other repairs are completed.

Rock Island Coaches (4)

As noted earlier, four revenue Rock Island coaches are now in service. The fifth remains awaiting restoration

CBQ RPO 1923

          With the placement of the car in Barn 3, we are now beginning to have a display for view to our guests. The visible car display has been supplemented by a video loop of postal clerks, and has been well received by visitors.

We are considering moving the car to a more guest friendly location to improve the presentation for next season.

Jon Habegger has been active both within the car as well as with the RPO exhibit within the special display cars.

ATSF 2544

          The prep work for the second side of seats has continued, also stalled a bit as other projects have made demands on the time of the department.

Dover Strait

          No change from last report.

Progress continues piecemeal, interior painting is now essentially complete, and reassembly of the lounge area continues.

Hardware installation also continues. 

As stated earlier, we hope to make this car part of another interior display for next year.    

 B&M 3288/1094

          The restoration continues, with long range movement plans also on hold until now as the two commuter cars under repair have slowed the movement plans.

CNW 9933 RDC

          Mike has completed the process of preemptive overhaul of the brake cylinders of this car. This should provide years of low maintenance operation.

It is now inspected for season ending use.

Interior  braking ability was delayed by other more pressing issues within the department, as the repair will require a complete repair of piping to the cab.

The car was used strictly as a trailer in its final days at MBTA, and all air lines to the control stand have been cut.

YARD 5 DISPLAYS

Safety and anti climb signs have been posted on many of the pieces within the yard, in an attempt to make the area safer and more consistent.

Opening between cars have been barricaded as well, to reduce traffic into the service aisle.  Thanks to Dave Diamond for supplying them.

Extra signs remain if needed.

Boundary ropes were added on the public pathways for the Thomas event, to help control wandering .

In addition to the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars. As reported previously, this display re-opened for the July 4th weekend, and we hope to have it open for public display throughout the remainder of the summer. We also continue to add items.

We have recognized a need for security within the display; Les and Wally have reviewed the sites' needs, and provided Mike Baksic with a comprehensive and long term plan for video monitoring of the interior displays. 

Five exhibits are now in place;

a).  A display of railroad artwork by George C Clark,

b).  a poster and informational display of the WW2 /railroad effort, and Pullman troop sleeper

c).  a program explaining the role of the railroad postal clerk. This display is still in progress, and the plan by the program leaders is to tell the chronological story of the service , and end with a display of the experiences at IRM.  This display will tie in with a more visible display within the RPO car itself in Barn 3 , now that the car is turned around for visibility. We also have the rights to present a "living history" video produced by a team member from Eastern Illinois University.

d).  A display explaining the history of the Fox River Interurban system, with thanks to John Cloos.

e). An enlarged reproduction of the Chicago Railroad station story, as told in an excellent article in a earlier NRHS Bulletin. Rights for reproduction were received from NRHS prior to display, and they were appreciative of the dissemination.

Coming attractions include,

   The Freight Dept has been preparing for a freight traffic display.

   A Chicago Railroad Fair exhibit from Ray Bellock, upon his return from leave.

   Jon Habegger has now begun development of a "THEN and NOW" display. He hopes to have a portion prepared in time for IRM 45th anniversary of operations at Union, coming next summer, and continue to expand in time for the 60th anniversary in 2012.  

Jon has continued to have conversations with folks around the museum , including Julie  Johnson, Barb Lanphier and Gwyn Stupar .

 Several folks here have expressed interest, and we invite them to share archive information and memories to put together  a solid presentation.

The sleeper display appears to have fulfilled a successful season as display, and we now turn to making the cars ready for movement.

winter restoration projects have been identified, and will be reviewed in November.

Our desire to acquire Olympus has continued. We have accumulated significant funds and hope to file formal acquisition papers soon.  Mike wishes to personally inspect the car before filing, and has made contact with fokks to arrange that visit in late Sept or early Oct.

funds have also been accumulated for loading and transport of CBQ 1309 from Denver, and with the General Manager decision to allow us to use the UP move for this year, we hope to move forward on this project as well.

in the absence of time and energy right now , here is the report filed by the Passenger Dept to the Board of Directors at the last meeting.

GENERAL DEPARTMENT PROGRESS

Coach inspections are completed

The two CRIP units mentioned last month have been finished.

The wheel swap took place on CRIP 2571, with the generous assistance of Rod Turner

The  second unit had been inside for a significant repair of the interior ceiling, and that also was completed.

Both cars were inspected and placed in service Aug 1 weekend, completing the set for Thomas.

All cars for Thomas train were made available for setup during week of Aug 2-6 to allow the sound crew to install their necessary equipment.

A new info sign was installed on John McGloughlin as the first of the Barn 3 enhancements.

The plan is to add signs to all equipment on display.

The RPO car was replaced into Barn 3 on Aug 3, and now is capable of viewing from the public aisle. We plan to offer an interior exhibit, including a video presentation of mail clerks.

The Dover Strait is nearing completion of its painting, and once the underbody is finished, we hope to position it in a way to make it viewable beside the Susan Marie. Not only will the display then be eye level, but will also make it easier to utilize the two operational coaches on that track.

This process will also stimulate the plan to make more interior access within the barn.

The plan to secure car interiors, while still very much planned, has stalled a bit as we have been busy with other display and department needs.

INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT REPORTS

DLW coaches (3)

Changes are progressing , but not yet completed. No change from previous report

           Two cars are in service.

           The third car is progressing in the repair of the vestibule, but is on hold until the car inspections are completed.

Rock Island Coaches (4)

As noted earlier, all four revenue Rock Island coaches are now in service.

CBQ RPO 1923

          With the placement of the car in Barn 3, we are now beginning to have a display for view to our guests. We hope to have enough time to complete it before Thomas, to add to our inside displays.

Jon Habegger has been active both within the car as well as with the RPO exhibit within the special display cars.

ATSF 2544

          The prep work for the second side of seats has continued, also stalled a bit as other projects have made demands on the time of the department.

Dover Strait

          Progress continues piecemeal, interior painting is now essentially complete, and reassembly of the lounge area continues. Hardware installation also continues.  As stated earlier, we hope to make this car part of another interior display for next year.

 B&M 3288/1094

          The restoration continues, with long range movement plans also on hold until now as the two commuter cars under repair have slowed the movement plans.

CNW 9933 RDC

          As a precaution, Mike has begun the process of preemptive overhaul of the brake cylinders of this car. This should provide years of low maintenance operation.

 Following last years success, we hope to further enhance the function with interior  braking ability, providing a more comfortable environment to the conductor during reverse moves.

YARD 5 DISPLAY

Bilevel car doors have been barricaded, and CNW 151 sign was located and hung on the outside for information.

In addition to the cars in revenue service, we have been successful in re-awakening the special exhibit cars. As reported previously, this display re-opened for the July 4th weekend, and we hope to have it open for public display throughout the remainder of the summer. We also continue to add items.

Five exhibits are now in place;

a).  A display of railroad artwork by George C Clark,

b).  a poster and informational display of the WW2 /railroad effort, and Pullman troop sleeper

c).  a program explaining the role of the railroad postal clerk. This display is still in progress, and the plan by the program leaders is to tell the chronological story of the service , and end with a display of the experiences at IRM.  This display will tie in with a more visible display within the RPO car itself in Barn 3 , now that the car is turned around for visibility. We also have the rights to present a "living history" video produced by a team member from Eastern Illinois University.

d).  A display explaining the history of the Fox River Interurban system, with thanks to John Cloos.

e). An enlarged reproduction of the Chicago Railroad station story, as told in an excellent article in a earlier NRHS Bulletin. Rights for reproduction were received from NRHS prior to display, and they were appreciative of the dissemination.

We are installing a "coming attractions" board near the entrance,

   The Freight Dept already has been preparing for a freight traffic display

   A Chicago Railroad Fair exhibit from Ray Bellock

   and are in the early planning for a possible living history of IRM , especially as we approach our 60th anniversary.  Several folks here have expressed interest, and we hope to put them together to create a solid presentation.

With the filling of the first display car, we are already planning to awaken the second car late this season, with the plan to have it functional for next year, including (we hope) a contribution to the celebration of the anniversary of operations at Union coming next July.      

The sleeper display has been open as planned, and interior function has been successful.

We have altered some of the videos to support events at the museum, and then return to the "normal" video for the remainder of the weekends.

Our desire to acquire Olympus has continued. We have accumulated significant funds and hope to file formal acquisition papers soon.  Mike wishes to personally inspect the car before filing, and dept obligations toward Thomas have prevented this until now.

funds have also been accumulated for loading and transport of CBQ 1309 from Denver, awaiting the decision from the general managers regarding its transportation arrangements.