Passenger Car Department

Leading the repair and restoration on the Ely's observation end ceiling is Buzz Morisette.  Here are a few more pictures of the progress in the repair.   Please notice the one new roof support installed by Buzz on Wednesday December 5, 2012.

Now in two weeks time look at the changes and the efforts that went into improving the ceiling  wood supports.    These photos were taken  12-19-12.   Please compare the progress in those two weeks.  Remember it has been relatively mild for this time of year.   Buzz has made the most of the "good" weather.

With the Holiday's falling on a week day, the progress has been slowed.  January will again bring Buzz and friends back to the project. Another PROJECT.... is the Barn 14 fund raising. Do not forget to send your donation in before January 2, 2013 to qualify for that tax deduction on your 2012 tax return. The CNW bilevels, CGW X38 snow plow, B&M 3288 wood diner, CB&Q 3007 Hudson and CA&E 319 interurban will all  Thank You for your support.      Roger   

Significant efforts to place back in service Rock Island 2524 have taken place in that last 2 weeks. I along with a new member Paul Cronin, have reinstalled the missing carrier iron, secured the steam line and installed piping and  an angle cock missing on the trainline. That just on one end! Paul and I have also found the missing  bent brake rod that connects the brakeshoes on the truck to the brake cylinder. Upon repair that too will be installed!  As previously mentioned by Bob Kutella, Paul has much experience working on rr equipment.   Before retirement he was Road Formen of Engines on part of the Boston and Maine RR. Here then, are two Wednesdays worth of  progress preformed by just 2 people.

Our ultimate goal would be to place back in service this car for 2013, our 60th anniversary. Who knows with all the special events and guests we might need another 100 seat coach in the train. Maybe.....we even could make more $ with another coach. We will see.... Would any of the Wednesday weekday crew like to help  on the interior!! Its quite warm when the sun is out even in winter.

Again.....donations are still greatly needed for the funding of Barn 14 building project.     Roger

                        Twas the five nights before Christmas and nothing was happening at the Illinois Railway Museum...but... then their arose  such a clatter in the office... it was the sound of letters of donations being opened by Jan, the head office elf.   Across the hallway working in his "headquarters" was Ole, shinny cheeks, St. Nick himself, working on transportation for his new "charges."  The gingerbread smell was missing this year, too much to accomplish, too little time before the big events next year.    Ms. Carol was busy at her conductors desk working on waybills for the raindeer!      A number of HOHOHOHO...Bo's were working their magic in the barns.   On Gerry, On Paul, Dave, John, Pete, Buzz, Henry, Rich, and Roger; they were all prancing around trying to complete the last presents for the boys and girls  aka X38, Ely, 2524, and 300.   One of the elves was not in the woodshop barn today,  I hope Bob is feeling better.   As  the lunch pails appeared the christmas cookies started to disappear.   Created by Paul's Elfette they were a tasty treat for us hard working souls!  As the day wore down to night I heard Santa exclaim........."Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."                             Seriously,  to all who have donated to IRM's  various projects this year a big hearty THANK YOU!!!!     The funds for the barn 14 building project are slowly arriving.  The response has been very gratifying.                            To all the Big Children who love trains, thanks again for being so generous.     Keep those cards and letters coming!  All the "Elves" say THANK YOU!.....  Roger...  one of the elves....