Electric Car Department

We will start this entry by sharing a previously unpublished photo from the Fettinger Family Collection, showing one of the two Liners at Zion Illinois on a snowy day in 1962

Fettinger Family Photo

The photo is courtesy of Barbara Lanphier of our Strahorn Library, whose father took the photo.  I am sure most of you are aware of the upcoming IRM special events but in case you are not - - -

We are holding the largest ever Trolley Pageant on July 6, larger by far than any of our previous Independence Day weekend parades, and surely larger than anything seen at any other Museum in the USA.  That will be held July 6 - you do not want to miss it!!

The following Sunday, July 7, we will be commemorating 50 years since the abandonment of the North Shore with North Shore Day  at the Museum.  There will be an opportunity to tour the Liner on July 4, July 6 &  July 7.  NSL and Liner memorabilia will be on sale  on July 7 only--all proceeds going to the Liner Restoration Fund. 

On July 7 we will be launching the Campaign for the Electroliner, a fundraising effort to restore the Liner to operation.  The Liner has operated on occasion at IRM - first in its Philadelphia Suburban colors, and a few times after that in a beautifully restored North Shore line paint job.  Many elements of its electrical and mechanical workings are just plain worn out.  We have a plan to make it operational in time for its 75th Birthday in 2016.  Even given that time, it is an aggressive plan and will involve motor work, new upholstery, and rehabbing most of the interior.  If we are successful in reaching the funding goal some of the necessary work will move along faster by allowing contracting and hiring of some tasks.  The first milestone is to make the train able to operate reliably under its own power and then move on to the heating and air conditioning system (the train has sealed windows).  Seat work can begin early in the process and will be ongoing.

Come out for NORTH SHORE DAY and be sure to walk through the Liner, and pick up details and other information on the fundraising campaign.  EXCITING HUH??.