Illinois Railway Museum Blog

                   The Illinois Railway Museum has signed a letter of intent for the purchase of a Steam generator unit, the former CN 15444.    Through the generous donations of two members, Nick Kallas and Roger Kramer, this car will be arriving at Irm sometime this year.  

         The unit was purchased from a tourist line operation in Northern Georgia.  It is the coach department intent to repair and restore it to operation.   We now will have the opportunity  to run late fall and early winter passenger consists using steam heat and the electrical capability that it offers.     However, this capability will not come quickly .   The entire system must be restored to operation by inspecting and then testing the two Vapor-Clarkson steam generator units.  This will  be expensive.  If you would like to see this unit under steam and in operation please consider a donation to the newly establish fund; CN 15444.    Also included in this unit is a small diesel generator set capable of producing 12KW of64/76 V.D.C. and a small 25 cfm air compressor.  Fuel for the operation is provided by 2 tanks each carrying 250 gals, for a total of 500.  Water capacity is 2000 gals having  four tanks per unit with each tank holding 500 gals..               Here are some  more of the mechanical data supplied to us courtesy of  Kent McClure, Chief Mechanical Officer, Monticello Railroad Museum.  The museum in Monticello, Illinois has the exact same car, their number is 15421.   If you would like to view their car it has been repainted to the original CN colors.  Very impressive!   I was down there visiting January of this early new year.   The next time it will be in operation will be for their Santa train in late November of this year.

        Date built:1958     Builder: Canadian Car Company      Lot Number: 2188     Total length over end platforms: 43'10"        Weight of car, light: 97,000lbs      Weight of car in working order: 132,000 lbs     Type of Truck:  Commonwealth BX- Double Equalizers, 4 wheels  5 1/2 X 10     Roller Bearings:  Fahuir    Wheels:  AAR 33"   Brake Equipment:  14"X 12"  Type 'Q' Passenger brakes  D-22-AF Control Valve  

       All the above pictures of the CN 15444 are courtesy of Ozark Mountain Railcar.   YOU CAN HELP Irm by sending in your donation to the CN 15444.    Nick and I have donated the money for the purchase but we still need to solicit funds for the transportation, track storage charges and the restoration.     That's where you can help your museum!   Please send your donations so that we can begin the process.  If you are interested in helping with the restoration please contact Paul Cronin or myself for more information.      This piece will expand the museum's capabilities and make it even more exciting to experience late fall and early winter passenger train operations along our main line.     Thanks   Roger