Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Many people to thank...

John McKelvey has been totally focused on reupholstering bench seats for the Henrietta, Rock Island coach 2612. He has been working on them daily. John has a lot of skill and experience in upholstery and has made a significant contribution to the Museum with his efforts. Thank you very much John! The Passenger Car Department truly appreciates you!

Saturday, August 2nd: Ray Mormann, Mark Gellman and Michael McCraren tested the air brakes on 3 Rock Island coaches in preparation for the upcoming Thomas event. A big thank you to the track department for use of their air compressor! The three men then found a coach step was in need of repair so track 114 became the RIP (Repair In Place) track.

Ray Mormann shown testing air brakes - Photo by Michael McCraren

Thanks to the track department for use of the air compressor - Photo by Michael McCraren

A step in need of repair - Photo by Michael McCraren

Ray doing step repair - Photo by Michael McCraren

They returned from Yard 11 to finish installing the door on the west end of the Birmingham dining car where it connects with the Pacific Peak.

Ray Mormann and Mark Gellman prepare the door window opening - Photo by Michael McCraren

Ray and Mark set the rubber to hold the window - Photo by Michael McCraren

Ray secures the glass in place - Photo by Michael McCraren

Pullman Standard door with window in place - Photo by Michael McCraren

The handle is now affixed and the door from the Birmingham to the Pacific Peak is complete - Photo by Michael McCraren

Later Mark and Michael McCraren boarded the coach train and repaired windows during a trip. (Sorry no pictures.)

Kevin Kriebs has made excellent progress on his project of removing decals and adhesive from the exterior of the 1st Exhibit Car. He continued his efforts on Saturday.

Shelly Vanderschaegen began her day with continued cleanup efforts in the Ely after Buzz Morisette completed the dining room ceiling and clerestory work. She vacuumed the car and started putting light shades on the fixtures below the clerestory. The mannequin was put together and put upright in her dining room position, and curtains were put back on the windows. Shelly spent the rest of her work day with John McKelvey working on the Henrietta coach seats project.

Jim Windmeier came to IRM to continue the discussion about a potential railroad china display which may go in the 1st Exhibit Car for next season.

Mark Hoffmann continued work on the 2602 Rock Island coach. Roger Kramer has put out a call for more volunteers to get this car ready for the upcoming Thomas event.

A big thank you to Kevin Brown for taking time to visit the Birmingham diner. Thanks for your continued support! We appreciate you very much.

Sunday, August 3rd: Michael McCraren was on train duty on Sunday. Jon Habegger was at his post inside the 1st Exhibit Car chatting with visitors and answering questions about the exhibits currently on display.

The Passenger Car Department would like to send out another big thank you to Buzz Morisette for continuing his support in putting the Ely back together. After completing his excellent work on the Ely dining room ceiling, clerestory, and woodwork, he helped clean up and even washed windows! Buzz is one of the really outstanding volunteers at the Illinois Railway Museum with skill, talent, and a helpful nature. Thanks Buzz!

Thank you goes out to Wayne Baksic, too, for short notice help with 7700 and Henrietta seats. Thanks Wayne!