About a month and a half ago the cleaning crew came out and took on the job of cleaning the Rock fleet. Unfortunately, RI 2571 was unavailable for it was inside barn 11 The three that were cleaned were 2555,2602, and 2582. Thanks to all for making the added effort. YOU all did a fine job. The cars had not been touched in about six months. You can imagine the dirt and debri that was in and around the seats, the walls and doors. Another chore that was completed was that of wiping and cleaning the 26 ceiling globes in each car. They certainly needed it. Thanks to all who participated. Thanks for all your help. Together we accomplish more. Remember to contribute the Barn 14 Building Fund. Thanks Roger
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
On Saturday, May 4, 2013, Chuck Trabert installed the last of the windows refinished for the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range Railway 84 coach over the winter. Chuck has been working on the windows of this coach for the last several winters and feels he is almost caught up with the most urgent window repairs in this car.
Window repair is not an easy job and it is costly to buy new glass, hardware, paints and varnishes. This car is frequently used in passenger operations and receives even more wear and tear as a result. All passenger cars required to be outside are at greater risk for damage from the elements so there is a goal to get them all under the shelter of a barn to be spared the worse of the sun and rain. You can help make that happen with an easy $25 donation for indoor storage. Choose the Passenger Car Department and add your donation to the cart. With your hep we will eventually get all passenger cars under cover. Many thanks!
Comments
Fri, 03-29-2024 21:26
We're slackers and spend more time working on the equipment in the shop than keeping all you readers updated. We'll work on it, but I'm sure updates [...]
Thu, 03-14-2024 08:02
What happened to the Department Blog? It's been over 2 years and I still regularly check for updates, but nothing comes...
Mon, 12-27-2021 16:28
Happy New Year to all the Departments at the Illinois railway Museum! Thanks for all the good work you do in railroad preservation. Ted Miles, [...]
Wed, 10-13-2021 13:33
Was the CB&Q 1309 every transported to IRM?I’ve been reading old issues of Rail&Wire and the car was mentioned several times.
Mon, 06-07-2021 22:40
I was wondering if in the model layout display what scale would you guys be using and would you be displaying model train history as well? Just [...]
Wed, 06-02-2021 17:27
Nice to see 428's cab back on. Looking forward to when it is operable!
Tue, 06-01-2021 16:47
I hope the work will continue on the UP #428. Now that they are the museum's connection to the national railroad network; she would be very [...]
Sat, 04-17-2021 23:07
What is the status of 126, the Milwaukee Buffet car that is in S. Dakota? Any guess on when or if it will get to IRM?
Wed, 04-14-2021 21:09
Perhaps it is time to scrap the remains of the c, B & Q 7128 to make room for the Villa Real. Ted miles, IRM member
Wed, 04-14-2021 15:26
Hi IRM my name is Jason and I was wonder If you guys would be willing to save a CN Dash8-40cm they are currently being retired by CN and being [...]
Fri, 04-09-2021 19:56
Bear in mind that the Nebraska Zephyr is an articulated train set, so cars cannot be inserted at will. Although cars and/or a second engine could be [...]
Wed, 03-31-2021 11:37
I believe Silver Pony is currently on the back burner, and has been put into storage in one of the barns. The car needs a lot of work done to it's [...]