Signal Department

For those of you who follow the operations of the Illinois Railway Museum by watching the web cams on line, I (Julie) would like to say that the ENTIRE TROLLEY LOOP is now showing up on the CTC machine -- and thus the online CTC board display.

You can now follow the progress of equipment operating on ALL of IRMs operating tracks both main line and trolley loop (except for trains "in front of the depot").

The signal department -- consisting of Mike Alterio, Bob Olson, Al Maywald, Terry Elliott, and I (Julie) -- have been working feverishly over the winter, spring and summer to get this done in time for Thomas Event.

In addition to the CTC board which operates from the track circuits, the Trolley Loop has been resignaled using all kinds of different signal units, largely from Electric Railway Lines, and these are being turned on starting this weekend. Also two more historic grade crossing signals are being made to work, a Milwaukee Electric Griswold Rotating Stop Sign, and another Wig Wag, a unique Magnetic Signal variation. Foundations have been poured for two more different wig wags which hopefully will be installed this autumn. They are a rare US&S DW unit donated by Doug Oaks, and a CB&Q Autoflag that is being relocated from near the tower. In its place will be placed the last remaining example of a Model 1 Bryant-Zinc wig wag from the North Shore Line.

Respectfully Submitted
Joel Ahrendt for Julie Johnson