Passenger Car Department

                           Here are a couple of updates from the Coach dept rolled into one Blog.       First,   Mike, Ray, and Mark have been completeing the annual assessments and inspections of the operating  coach fleet.   This takes about a month to month and one half.  They have been  checking on  the functions of brakes, wheels, and the condition of the trucks.   This year upon inspection of the Inglehome's wheels and truck frame it has been determined that one truck has a serious defect and it has been taken out of service.   Until this is resolved the  observation car will not be operating anymore!   Taking into consideration that it is more then 100 years old it will need some Major work to be placed back in service.                                                                                                                                                    Another project almost finished  by the Sunday crew has been and cleaning and repair of the "Silver train."  Last week Mike, Ray, amd Shelly installed the portable A/C  units into the various car to keep them "Kool" for the Summer viewing public.    More guided tours are on the schedule for this year.     A note for you folks who enjoy these cars is the fact that Track Storage Charges have not been paid on the LOCH SLOY!    If you would like to help erase this debt Please send a donation to the LOCH  SLOY FUND.  It owes more than $6,000.    Thank You!!!                             This Spring, one more project  has again started up.    It's the restoration of the women's bathroom in the John Mcloughlin sleeper.    Irm is hosting a convention for the Great Northern  RR Historical Society in late July of this year and touring  John Mcloughlin is on part of the schedule.  This gives the small team of Mark, Brian, and Roger  an added incentive to make things happen.  Would you like to join us?  Just stop by any Saturday in back of Barn #3.  Look us up!      We'll be there!                              A major project gaining added interest is the Lake City.   Already, it has been switched to the front of Barn #3 for display.   Please come in and view this amazing car!    John Mckelvy has also been working on reupholsterying the seat cushions in the section area of the sleeper-obs.    The lights  are working; ready for your viewing.   Not many museums can boist of four obs cars lit and ready for  viewing like we have at iRM!!!               Lastly,  recent news has been bloged about the reinstallation of many exterior windows in the D M & IR 84.   Chuck has done a great job!   The car was already back in service for the WW11 reenactment days this last weekend.  Great Job.     Don't forget to consider a donation to the Loch Sloy fund and the Inside  Storage Fund.   We are still working towards this "new barn" goal.    Thanks   Roger Kramer