Entries by Roger Kramer

Happy Turkey Day to all the friends and supporters of IRM!

Here are a couple of equipment pictures that haven't seen the light of day for a few years. Thought it would be interesting to show the restoration efforts on both pieces.

In another 10 or so years they will be complete and operational.... with you help.

Remember to send in your year end donation gifts to any rolling stock fund. AND........more news coming up about building storage barns.

                   Nigel stated in the Steam blog, 20 degrees keeps you inside and if you do happen to walk outside, well, "Man is it cold."     The coach department does not have the luxury of a heated facility or for that matter even an unheated shop. In spite of the miserable weather a few members have been working on the "project." We have two propane heaters that we can use and it actually warms the coach to workable temperature. Here are a few of the latest developments for middle November.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         As I have mentioned we now need to order new steel for these replacement  projects.   Please consider helping with a donation to the Special projects -2612 fund.   This channels the $ to the correct fund specifically helping with the interior  restoration.    Remember your Holiday gift to the museum.    Many worthwhile rolling stock projects to chose from..........                    Thanks   Roger

                        This blog entry should now bring the reader almost up to date on the RI 2612 restoration.  Next time I'll take a picture of the western exterior end of the coach to show you more of our hard work.  Our combined efforts are paying off.  Still much work to do but there is a "light at the end of the tunnel".    PLEASE CONSIDER JOINING THE CREW?   Please join us any  Wednesday or Saturday in back of barn 3!!                                                     Are you considering a year end IRM donation?  Please think of the coach dept in your giving.   We in the coach dept have  increased our efforts to accomplish more this 2013 year.   Why not help us meet our goals with a donation to the Steam Passenger Coach Fund!!   Thank you    Roger  

                                   Even with the approach of colder weather we keep on working in and around the 2612. Recently, we have resumed the removal of the second stair frame. It's not in as bad a shape as the other one but the support brackets that hold it on to the car need to be replaced. Soooooo..... off it came with the help of Paul Cronin.     He, along with Gary Sherman and Mark Gellman have removed much of the rusted out steel on this one side.     Now, the trick is to replace it with new steel and rebuilt stairs before the running season begins. I'll keep you updated on our progress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        My thanks to the crew of Paul, Gary, Dan,  Loraine, Jane, Jan and Mark.                                                                                                                                                                                            Don't forget to send your donations in for the next barn buildings,  13 and 14 .  Let's build a couple of barns before we consider other grandiose projects.   Roger 

                                                       The advantancements are many this fall season in the interior of the 2612.  The devoted crews have been slowly accomplishing the goal of needle chipping the remaining  interior panels by falls end.  Even with the approach of cooler weather our dedicated crew has made much progress. We now have  moved two propane heaters into the interior to keep us warm during the cold winter months.   Yes, we are planning to work in the car during the colder weather.   Common scents prevailing.                          Here, now, are some of our latest efforts.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 This was the last volunteer day in October.       Now on to November's activities.                        

                                                I am almost caught up to the currant date. Here is a week ago last Wednesday's update.V    In spite of the cooler weather  we are still getting the devoted volunteers to come out to the project and work on the project. Thanks for everyone's continued interest.                                                                                                                 We haven't seen many updates on the new barn construction?   Any one have any news they would like to pass along to the readers?    Please send in your donations for the fund, New Barn Construction.    Thanks. 

                                     Smoke at Smokey Hollow!           The air smells good again down at the steam shop!     Yes folks, for all you Fans of Steam, your waiting is almost over.     On October 30, 2013, the 2-10-0 was test fired, and operated under its own power!       But, the work is not done  on the 1630!.    It is just the beginning.                        Plenty yet to do.                      Please come out to help!!!                                                          There are not enough "THANK YOUS" and "pats on the backs" to truly describe the work, planning and money that has gone into this restoration project.                                                 Thank you, Tom Schneider and fellow volunteers!!                    I hope when you are out at Irm stop by the steam shop and thank the guys and gals for their devotion and efforts. They will appreciate it. Their work is never done. Please THEN make a donation to the Steam Restoration Fund, or the UP 428 fund or the Shay 5 fund. They are the next to get running.                                                   Thanks.... Roger Kramer, a steam fan and friend.