Two Milwaukee Streetcars

We got some publicity for the project this week, and for IRM.  The Thursday issue of the Waukegan News Sun had a few pics and information on the CNS&M 354, which once plied the streets of Waukegan.

Interior

This is the fine looking interior of the 354 with car lighting working again thanks to the Electric Car Department and some troubleshooting.  This feature was worked on to show off the interior to best advantage for the photographer shooting the story.

Car Cards

Victor Humphreys helped on this task, and here he is distracted, reading some of the very old car card advertising inside the car.

This remains an active project and we really need your donations help to bring this back to operation, any amount large or small is still being accepted with our thanks.  And we have challenge grant money that will match your contribution dollar for dollar at 100% parity.  This is a great way for you to help IRM and stretch your dollars.  Please specify fund RTMS on your check.

Tom Sharratt Photo

Yes, it has been 45 years since the first operating cars appeared at IRM.  This Tom Sharratt Photo from September 1967 depicted nice late afternoon tranquility, surely an artsy mood shot.  We ran from a small side platform west of Olson Road, complete with flower bed, and sold transfer like tickets on the car.

This evokes fond memories, when life was in many respects simpler and the future lay before us.

The car is TM 972, and yes, we are underway with a plan to return the car to operation.  Many restoration tasks have been completed, with the next big project to replace the wheels.  Donations are needed and appreciated to Fund RTMS.  Please help.

Most of our major projects ask for donations and in large part the members and friends respond.  Often, however, accumulating the funds is slow and folks who made donations are wondering what has happened.

Many of you have been very generous on this project whose goal is to apply new tires to the wheels of two trolley cars, TM 972, and CNS&M 354.  Yesterday we placed the order for sixteen new custom rolled steel tires.

     WE ARE ON THE WAY!!

New Tire

But it is not too late to help on this milestone project.  Some matching funds have been pledged and remain on hand.  So in effect, every dollar you may donate becomes TWO dollars toward getting these new tires installed on the existing wheel centers and axles.  This is a cost effective method to renew the running gear for reliable operation on our railroad, especially compared to even finding new wheels, at any price.

Please help with a restricted donation to fund RTMS so we can all look forward to seeing these cars operate at Union.