Illinois Railway Museum Blog

                               It's been a while since my last progress report on the 2612.  The cold weather has almost brought the project to halt.  The volunteers still have been making a difference  in many areas.  The 2612 is warm with two small heaters but the chill is still very obvious.  Kyle, Dave, Gary, Jane, Ray, Brian and myself have been making slow but steady progress.                                                                                    The most important development within the last few weeks was the decision to remove three steel panels located below the window line.  These pieces have rusted so badly from water and steam leakage over the years that we decided to remove at least 3 sections and install new ones.   Each section is 100 inches long and 14 inches high and costs $70 each.  Thanks to Rod, in the car dept, for ordering the new panels for us.  The removal of each old section, first, involves removing three seat frames then removing the old panel.  Next we will sand, prime and paint all exposed steel before installing the new panels.   Not an easy task.  Its very time consuming especially under these cold conditions.  Here are a few pictures of our progress to date.                                                                                                   Surveying the situation  I have now  realized that we will need more than 3 panels to complete the interior restoration.  We still have the other side to contend with.  That's where you can help!!!   Your Holiday donation to Irm might include a donation to this project.  Please consider it and when you do, please mark on your gift.........                   "SPECIAL PROJECT"  RI 2612 Fund.                Thank you   Roger