Illinois Railway Museum Blog

    

                  Our volunteers are coming out more frequently now that the coach is almost finished. We have installed all the brass window frames on one side and have now ordered more glass panes to complete the other side. I have installed 15 shades as well as all the newly polished walkover seat handles. Dan Bixler is almost done painting the brass window splines while Loraine continues sanding around the window frames. Ray, Austin, Shelly and Jane have been assisting John Mckelvey in the upholsterying of new seat cushions and backs. Gary is now on vacation so we won't see him for about 2 weeks. Not to be outdone, Austin, Brian, and Dave, Mark and Andy have been working in the 2602. Please see my Blog concerning that project.

                        On the exterior, Mary and Howard Geier continue their great work. Mary is needlechiping the vestibule and Howie is sanding the southern exterior. We have also found the original lettering, C.R.I.P. on the vestibule wall, upper left hand corner on the door side and I have talked to Buzz about duplicating the style, color and height.

Here's Loraine and Miguel needle chipping further on the exterior.   By the time Saturday's activities were finished all window frames were installed on the South side.    That's a large accomplishment in itself!   I wonder when was the last time the  2612 had any windows in it.  

                        The next big project is hiring a welder to install stairs and decking on the  western end.    Stay tuned!  I'll have some important info on that subject in my next blog.          Thanks Roger