Illinois Railway Museum Blog

          As the winter continues with it's first big snowstorm looming the shop forces are again working on the museum's favorite steamer, the 1630.   Here are just a few of the many maintenance projects begun on the engine.                               The removal and subsequent hydro and hammer of the air tanks is a FRA requirement.  It takes a out of time just to meet the yearly regulations.  Then on top of that, during the down time, repair of any problems that might have been observed thru the daily operational inspections.  Inspecting any operating piece of equipment at Irm takes a lot of time but is the most important of tasks at the museum.         Part of the teams attention has now been shifted towards the Union Pacific engine .   The  installation of rivets into the cab frame of the UP 428 has finally begun.  Once all rivets are installed  the next task will be the installing of the wood interior framing.   Then, when finally painted the cab can be lifted and installed back onto the frame of the engine.          The boiler backhead for the UP428 is receiving more attention. Here is a picture of the results of one months work reinstalling the pipes and accessories.      The need for donations is alway great but especially during the winter months when supplies, parts, etc are needed.  Please consider a donation to the following projects: UP 428, Shay, RI 938, Tuskegee 101,  and of course, our 1630.   Thanks  Roger