Illinois Railway Museum Blog

CAE Sash

Bruce Plaxton and John Faulhaber have just glued and assembled another new sash for the CA&E cars.

Enough Left

Is there enough left to take accurate measurements for new cupola sash for the IC 9792 caboose?  Some would debate that statement.  But Rich Witt puzzles over a well rotted piece as he works to document the old parts and provide a working drawing for making new ones.

Tenons

Bruce Plaxton and Rich Witt trim tenons to fit on the last of 12 new sash for the CA&E cars - 4 for the 451, 4 for the 460, and 4 for the 409.

Rattan Seats

Not exactly in the wood shop but in the new Barn 4 addition for the last two pics for this entry.  Frank Sirinek examines a set of reconditioned seat cushions that Tim Peters 'processed' for CRT 1268.

Ruins

Henry Vincent is toiling to re-create some 'ruins' in northern Italy.  In this case a representation of the Cassino area after bombing.  These sets will be used in the upcoming WW II re-enactments over Memorial Day Weekend.

URTX 26628

This is a shot taken December 18, 1960 in Dallas, Texas.  It is clearly a shot of a sister car in the same series with all details matching our car.  We really nailed the lettering as all major items match what we have applied.  There are a few details regarding paint separation lines which will be easy enough to touch up.

BUT - there is always a 'but' - this car displays a MILWAUKEE ROAD herald on the right side indicating they leased it from URTX.  There was no evidence of any such herald on our car but after 40 years outdoors, that could have easily disappeared.  So, what say you all?  Apply the herald as shown (painted on, not a medallion) to our car?

More shots from the camera of Robert Kudder.  Many of these are rarely seen or noticed by the working members as they are not prone to leaving the project at hand.

Front End

One of the locos on display outdoors at IRM.

MILW 265

MILW 265

Above two shots in Barn 9, near the south doors, of the front end and fireman's side of MILW 265.

Needs Help

This is almost an "ART SHOT" if it were not so sad.  This is a very old ATSF boxcar, number 44043.  At least it is now inside Barn 11 where some measure of protection is afforded from further deterioration.

UP 3786

Newly restored caboose UP 3786 is also inside Barn 11.  Victor Humphreys was escorting a group from Whitehall, Michigan who ventured down here to see some of our work and discuss their caboose project.

MILW 01984

Many areas warranted closer inspection.  Here is the mandatory group photo in front of MILW 01984 which is receiving a lot of attention so that it may once again serve riders at IRM.  Note that Barn 11 is not open to the general public at this time.

On Sunday we were visited by a 'delegation' from Logans Mill, Wisconsin who are involved in a MILW caboose restoration and again we were questioned about our techniques and were happy to show them around.