Entries by Roger Kramer

                                                                   Within one month two volunteers have repaired and installed the drawbar carrier iron.  The missing pieces for the Rock Island 2524 coach.   I would say that's really good progress!   The last bracket was installed 1-09-13   And some said it could not be done...                                      Paul Cronin and  Roger Kramer  accomplished the task.   Here, then are the results.    Enjoy                                                                                                                                                                                       Please remember to keep on sending your new donations to the BARN  14 FUND!   To most of the working members THIS is the most important on going project.   More important than the general fund, land acquisition or the  mortage repayment funds.  For those of you that have not considered sending a donation last year why not send $ 25 to the  BARN  14 FUND right now!   This impacts what the museum stands for-the equipment.   Thank you    Roger  

Remember Barn 14 in your donations!

Here are some updated photos on the restoration and upgrades that have been accomplished this last year on the 84.

The first pic show the big job Ray, Mike and Shelly had in front on them. Fixing leaks and painting the roof for the first time.

The next two show the results, quite a difference. This painted roof should last for many years before it again will need another coat of paint.

This fall  began with the continuing job of removing numerous bad exteriors windows. Chuck Talbert is an expert at this kind of work. He rebuilds them at home where it nice and warm. In the Spring he then brings the restore windows back to Irm for installation.

The reason this work can be easily accomplished in winter is because of the inside barn storage of equipment. Come Spring 2013, Chuck will be busy reinstalling his rebuilt windows. I will then show you the results.     Roger 

Leading the repair and restoration on the Ely's observation end ceiling is Buzz Morisette.  Here are a few more pictures of the progress in the repair.   Please notice the one new roof support installed by Buzz on Wednesday December 5, 2012.

Now in two weeks time look at the changes and the efforts that went into improving the ceiling  wood supports.    These photos were taken  12-19-12.   Please compare the progress in those two weeks.  Remember it has been relatively mild for this time of year.   Buzz has made the most of the "good" weather.

With the Holiday's falling on a week day, the progress has been slowed.  January will again bring Buzz and friends back to the project. Another PROJECT.... is the Barn 14 fund raising. Do not forget to send your donation in before January 2, 2013 to qualify for that tax deduction on your 2012 tax return. The CNW bilevels, CGW X38 snow plow, B&M 3288 wood diner, CB&Q 3007 Hudson and CA&E 319 interurban will all  Thank You for your support.      Roger   

Significant efforts to place back in service Rock Island 2524 have taken place in that last 2 weeks. I along with a new member Paul Cronin, have reinstalled the missing carrier iron, secured the steam line and installed piping and  an angle cock missing on the trainline. That just on one end! Paul and I have also found the missing  bent brake rod that connects the brakeshoes on the truck to the brake cylinder. Upon repair that too will be installed!  As previously mentioned by Bob Kutella, Paul has much experience working on rr equipment.   Before retirement he was Road Formen of Engines on part of the Boston and Maine RR. Here then, are two Wednesdays worth of  progress preformed by just 2 people.

Our ultimate goal would be to place back in service this car for 2013, our 60th anniversary. Who knows with all the special events and guests we might need another 100 seat coach in the train. Maybe.....we even could make more $ with another coach. We will see.... Would any of the Wednesday weekday crew like to help  on the interior!! Its quite warm when the sun is out even in winter.

Again.....donations are still greatly needed for the funding of Barn 14 building project.     Roger

                        Twas the five nights before Christmas and nothing was happening at the Illinois Railway Museum...but... then their arose  such a clatter in the office... it was the sound of letters of donations being opened by Jan, the head office elf.   Across the hallway working in his "headquarters" was Ole, shinny cheeks, St. Nick himself, working on transportation for his new "charges."  The gingerbread smell was missing this year, too much to accomplish, too little time before the big events next year.    Ms. Carol was busy at her conductors desk working on waybills for the raindeer!      A number of HOHOHOHO...Bo's were working their magic in the barns.   On Gerry, On Paul, Dave, John, Pete, Buzz, Henry, Rich, and Roger; they were all prancing around trying to complete the last presents for the boys and girls  aka X38, Ely, 2524, and 300.   One of the elves was not in the woodshop barn today,  I hope Bob is feeling better.   As  the lunch pails appeared the christmas cookies started to disappear.   Created by Paul's Elfette they were a tasty treat for us hard working souls!  As the day wore down to night I heard Santa exclaim........."Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."                             Seriously,  to all who have donated to IRM's  various projects this year a big hearty THANK YOU!!!!     The funds for the barn 14 building project are slowly arriving.  The response has been very gratifying.                            To all the Big Children who love trains, thanks again for being so generous.     Keep those cards and letters coming!  All the "Elves" say THANK YOU!.....  Roger...  one of the elves....   

After working on reinstalling the vestibule parts I took a break in the fall of 2011.   When the weather turned to the cold side I began working on the roof of the John Mcloughlin.   Since the vestibule looked so nice the peeling, dusty silver gray roof certainly did not compliment the " new look" for display.  Here then are some results of my efforts to improve the sleeper's appearance

My attention will now be turning to the interior women's bathroom. My next blog will feature the before pictures of the bathroom and a sample of the finished product. When considering your next donation to IRM please include the Barn 14 Inside Storage Fund. You'll be glad you did!!!   Roger  

The last blog about the John McLoughlin was six months ago!   The next couple of entries will show you the progress that has been accomplished on this sleeper.  Previously, I have shown the results of 2 members efforts in needlechipping, sanding, and priming the myriad of small spaces and corners in the vestibule. 

                                   

Its more time consuming than just "chipping" away at a large surface.                               

                           

Not only do you have to remove the myriad of small parts but then one must separately clean and paint each one, then store them, and remember how and where they belong. 

 

After all the painting, now to the installation of the parts.  

 

Here then are a few pictures of those efforts.

 

 

Please help in our efforts, donations are always needed.  This restoration is being funded only through your donations to the John McLoughlin heavy weight 8-1-2- sleeper.            

For those who have not as yet considered a donation to the museum in 2012,  please consider the INSIDE STORAGE FUND  and make this your donation project of the year!!!

Thanks as always   Roger