Model Railroad Display

It was now one year ago when IRM got the opportunity to save a complete railroad.  In this case in HO scale.  We made arrangements and carefully dismantled the full basement sized empire and moved it to storage at IRM.  That in itself was not a trivial effort and many hours of volunteer work, and driving trips to Wisconsin were involved.

What has been done since then?  The good news is that we are about 45% of the way to our fundraising goal to construct and furnish a building along the Main Street alignment for the exclusive use of the models. THANK YOU to many donors who have supported this project!!  Many preservation sites have a model railroad for the enjoyment of the visitors, young and old, and this would be another step in IRM efforts to broaden and diversify railroad themed displays for the entertainment of our visitors.

We have a purpose designed building plan, with proposed interior use plan, and costs and estimates from builders and suppliers.  We have designed a period appropriate facade in keeping with the theme of Main Street.  We have completed and submitted two grant applications which are pending at this time.  Thank you to the many IRM volunteers who have done a lot of this legwork and planning.

We are privileged to be able to share the following images from Mrs. Lavonn Olander, taken as her late husband was constructing this magnificent and extensive railroad.

The Benchwork Takes Shape

You can see some idea of the extent of the project and that it was built to LAST.  Much of the ultimate development of the railroad followed a plan and the benchwork went in first.

Roadbed

Soon the surveyors were out in force and roadbed was being installed at a fast pace.

Tracklaying

Do not leave out the gandydancers who followed to lay track.  It is all well done and features many complex combinations of components and specialwork.

River Scene

Detailing of many areas included exquisite scenes, fully detailed such as the above view.

Union Station

A very impressive Union Station was included to serve the passenger traffic.  Any modeler would be proud to have constructed just one of the diorama like scenes, yet this railroad included one after another.  No idea where we should look first.

So what is next?  This is where you all may help with donations to restricted fund RMRD.  We can make this happen, sooner rather than later with your help.  We are about halfway to the fund goal of where we need to be to place orders and release contracts for construction.  Whether you are a modeler or not this will be an asset to increase the enjoyment and visitor experience at IRM.  I firmly believe IRM needs to be more 'entertaining' to the typical visitor we get today, and just as we completed a Childrens Playground area in 2012, this could be the next big thing!  Please help with donations to

Illinois Railway Museum

Box 427

Union, IL 60180

The project has seen considerable work being done more or less behind the scenes.  To give a short summary of the progress, below is an approved concept sketch of what the front of the building might look like.

Facade

We have settled on a site, three lots, on our Main Street alignment, and developed a pretty good description of the building specifications.  It is envisioned as a steel framed permanent structure with clear span of 50 x 70 feet.  Those specifications have been sent to many possible contractor bidders and prices have been coming in.  There is the building of course, but also the other things that go along with new construction.  That includes, site preparation, electrical, concrete work, mechanical and heating, specialty windows and framing, the masonry work, storm water remediation, insulation, finish site work and grading, etc.

Interior

We have also developed a very preliminary Space Use Plan for the interior space.  I stress that this is preliminary and many good ideas are on the table.

But of course, the next step is to get the building.  It looks this will run between $125K and $150K so donations are urgently needed to accumulate funding.  We will not go for a building permit and place orders until we know we have enough on hand to pay for that.  As a reminder, donations may be specified to restricted fund RMRD.

Those of you who read these entries regularly have seen that IRM has acquired a large model railroad via donation.  The concept is to construct a permanent steel framed building along the Main Street alignment and to re-assemble the major components of this layout and to have it open for public display.  Model railroads on exhibit during the Thomas Event, for instance, have proved very popular with visitors, and this would serve to add a new and different dimension to any IRM visit.

Concept

We have spent a lot of time and have developed many CONCEPT sketches and proposals.  Here is an example of what the front facade of the new building MIGHT look like.  It is pleasing to my eye, but then it would be since I drew it.  I would say it is a long shot that the final product would more than resemble this view, but you should quickly get the idea of the potential.

I have been informed that at the January 14 meeting, the Board of Directors approved going ahead to the next steps which include fundraising and more detailed plans.  We will be getting cost estimates and setting a fundraising goal and we will be contacting potential donors or sponsors for this attraction.  In the meantime, a new restricted fund has been set up   RMRD  to collect and grow the money for this project.  Any help in the way of donations, or perhaps of sponsors wishing to participate, or contractors willing to donate at least part of their services IN KIND, please contact me.  Together, we can make this happen.

A lot has happened quickly on this subject.  A lot of IRM member help has developed as well as local model railroaders who have joined the effort.  In many ways this a sad or gut wrenching effort to saw apart what was years of effort and fine work.  I will follow this with a set of photos showing some of the work, but not a lot of prose.  The pics speak for themselves.

Cutting the Rails

Al Reinschmidt starts the process.

First Cut

Henry Vincent begins the ceremonial first cut through a layout section near the door.

Drill It

Wally Unglaub works along the west wall.

Moving Mountains

Planning Meeting

Henry Vincent and Barb Lanphier engage in some strategic planning over lunch.

Hard One

This part had been constructed around a building support column.

More Sections Gone

This area is now empty but was filled with layout sections two days earlier.

Old Men of the Mountain

Bob Kutella and Henry Vincent (red hat visible) pop up inside one the spectacular sections of mountain scenery.

The Way Out

Bob and Henry work their way out of the mountain.  A lot of time was spent on hands and knees.

At the November meeting, the Directors voted to acquire a new railroad, all assets and rolling stock and locomotives.  Henry Vincent has volunteered to be the Project Manager for this large new project.

Many members have long dreamed of adding a model railroad to our site, to provide an entertaining and new attraction for IRM.  Many of our peer preservation organizations have such a feature, and they have proved worthwhile and popular with visitors.  This a very large layout in HO scale in the Milwaukee area that was the life work of an exceptional modeler who recently passed away.  The estate offered it to us as a donation and it has been accepted.  This is the type of project many of us can only dream about, let alone have the resources and help to achieve that dream.

Industry

I will offer a short photo  tour of some of the areas, and these cannot begin to do justice to the scope and quality of the work.

Engine Facility

CNW Passenger Station

Industry

Skirting Removed

Building Flats

Grain Facility

As I said, this is truly a wonder to behold whether you are a diehard modeler or not.  But the real work lies ahead.  We are making plans and examining options and funding sources to create a public display in a new building.  Yes, it is a LARGE undertaking but we think achievable.  The first and most immediate task is to dismantle and inventory, document the layout, and move it to Union.  And the deadline is to do this before the end of 2011!

So if you would like to help please contact the Project Manager asap.  Help of any sort, many hands are needed.  And of course if you see value in this effort as many of us do, donations to the public model railroad display would be appreciated and welcomed,