Illinois Railway Museum Blog

                          Working five days a week for the past three weeks has improved the interior as well as the exterior of the coach.  I am now to the point of having only three projects yet to complete before we can operate 2612 for the Thomas Event/Train.        Most importantly, I have found a welding contractor from Hampshire, Ill  to repair and install the rebuilt stairs, decking, air line and begin the process of repairing the floor.                           I am hoping that we will have all the welding done by the first week of August.   It's amazing what can accomplished with an 8 hour work day.     Would you like to help pay for the steel?         To help defray the costs,  Please send a donation to the 2612 fund.   Thanks    Roger 

              Hello all you 2726 diner Fans! Gerry and his brother Dan have made some  great progress on the 2726.

Gerry and his bro have been completing the installation of the refrigerator and the freezer. Yes, this diner now has two working coolers. In the old days we would bring 3 portable coolers loaded with ice to keep everything cold. Not anymore! The upgrade now makes serving food much easier.  We now can store all the days supplies in these two units.   Cold, Ice cream anyone?                                    One item on the list of  "TO DO"  projects is finally in the works.  Gerry has recently arranged to  barrow a gate from the Indiana Railway Museum in Noblesville ,Indiana.   This is no ordinary gate but a 6 foot high security gate designed to lock the kitchen when not in use.    He plans to have it duplicated by R and B of Woodstock and then install  the replicated gate into the 2726.  Through the kindness of  Joe and Gwyneth Stupar, who happened to be visiting the Indiana museum two weeks ago, an arrangement was made for the temporary pick up and transfer to our museum.    The gate weighs about two hundred pounds so it was no easy task transporting it home.   Thanks to both of you for making the extra effort!                         Gerry and his small crew are ready for the next step.   Moving the diner out of barn 3 and making necessary repairs to the buffer.   We have a contractor all lined.  The diner still needs one important upgrade.    We would like to purchase and install a larger and more powerful generator to supply the two new coolers and hot water heater.    This costs money and that's where your donations can help.   Please consider the 2726 on your next mailing to Irm.                                             How many of you remember having lunch in the diner?  You can again share that experience with that donation.                                              Thanks    Roger