Illinois Railway Museum Blog

The weather forecast was bleak.  By 9:30 AM it was heavy rain, with water pouring off the building roofs.  Thankfully, the rain stopped, although we did not see the sun the rest of the day.

The Freight Department held a brief Dedication Event for the UP 3786 caboose.  Restoration is complete and the car is released for regular service in operations.

The Team

The restoration team was represented by Project Manager Joe Luciani and crew member Lee Regione.  There were a few remarks, then the public was invited for a walk-through of the restored interior, prior to the three car train departing for a full mainline trip.  Every seat was filled in all three cars, and some potential riders had to be turned away to await the next trip.

The Train

Here is the train on Station Track One between trips.  It looked good and there was a lot of interest from visitors and members alike.  The train was pulled by electric locomotive L4 from the TMER&L, crewed by Ray Weart.

At Wheaton

I could not resist adding another shot for all you trolley fans out there.  Julie Johnson is in the cab, getting ready to operate a three car steel CA&E train. These cars were looking better than they probably did departing Wheaton for the Loop over a half century ago.  In order, cars 409, 431, and 460.  WOW!