Illinois Railway Museum Blog

                                      The Cafe/Coach 1094 has received a significant  improvement to restoration of the car. Specifically, eight replica brass sconces have been installed in the dinning room.    These were made at home, over this last winter, by Jack Biesterfeld and then installed in the BM 1094 these last couple of weeks.    Just as important is how this improvement will be viewed by the visitor.   It will improve the  vistors experience.    How?    Just look at the results thur the car's window.       It really, really dresses up the diner.    Its a beautiful example of the elegance of early 1900's upper class, railroad travel.                                                   Another interior improvement was  advanced while Jack was  home replicating the sconces.    Shown in the next set of three pictures are the before and after of the  work and effort proformed by Mike, Ray and Mark Gellman.   The oil tank and its various pipe attackments were finally removed.  You can see the results with the last picture.    Sure looks different.    What was once there you ask?     This was the area for the Baker heater and the mens bathroom.     Eventually, the mens bathroom and it's appointments will be installed.                                              Would you like to help "Smilin Jack" achieve more improvements on this beautiful cafe diner?  Jack tells me there are a couple of "HOT" projects on this years list.    On the list  is the installation of two curved windows being manufactured by the museum's wood shop.     Please see Bob Kutella's woodshop Blog for construction pictures of the windows.  Ted Anderson is going to construct  two stain glass windows for these frames.   Together, Jack and Ted will install them.   The other project is centered on the vestibule reconstruction.   Needed in this job are some big dollars for the manufacture of two steel stairs.   Jack also plans to strip off all the old paint in this vestibule.                                                                                                                                                                 Please consider helping this project with donation to the BM 1094 Restricted Fund.    A N D    don't forget to send a donation to the  Barn 14 building fund.   We, at Irm, are still working towards building this barn!!!  Please don't forget.                            Thanks         Roger Kramer