Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Its an ALCO

We will start with a few views of diesels being moved and exercised to the staged area for the diesel Parade of Power.  Wow - this 1959 locomotive has been restored to operation after 15 years on the property!  No wonder ALCO's were often referred to as honorary steam locomotives as this unit demonstrates the belching black smoke typical of an ALCO with turbocharger 'lag'.

Trolley Favorite

Illinois Terminal 1605 was also seen moving for the first time in many years after substantial repairs to the electrical system.

North Shore Line 757

John McKelvey was again at work inside Barn 4 doing more reupholstery for this electric car.

Wagon Top

Victor Humphreys adds more primer to the 'A' end of the car.  I helped some by cleaning more roof areas for primer before the sun came out and the heat was too brutal to continue up there.

West Towns 141

Frank Sirinek hands Mike Stauber a wrench as Mike is prone below the car end.  They are hanging the fender (people catcher) in that cramped space.

More Step Stools

Jim Windmeier was inside the shop with his son, Tom, as they near completion of the second batch of six new replica step stools to be used on our railroad.

CRT 1797

Tim Peters continues to show amazing progress on this wood el car.  The roof areas are about done, prepared and ready for new canvas.  The letterboards have been repaired and see the first coat of finish orange paint.  Most of the car side windows have been removed as repairs are made to the posts and car sides.

New Old Wood

We continue to pursue obtaining salvaged and recycled wood for use in our restorations.  Tim is examining a recent pile of boards on this cart.  Pricing is very reasonable at about a buck a board foot for wood that is many times more expensive - if you can find it all.

What Is It

What type and specie of wood is it?  This load of timbers came from a barn in southern Indiana and likely were locally grown and harvested varieties.  Are any of you near IRM and have some expertise in identifying these samples?  We have a pretty good idea on two of the species, but would like to get more input before committing funds for purchase.