Illinois Railway Museum Blog

      This is a follow up to a post by Brian La Kemper a couple of weeks ago.   We have been focusing on this coach the entire winter.  Its finally showing results.   "Busy" is the word of the month while talking about our Erie Lackawanna coach 556.   It will be that way until we get her interior painting complete  and placed back in service.   Already the two Brian's have reinstalled the repaired brake beam, located missing pins and bushings, installed the brake valve and related piping.  Next on their work sheet is to complete an air test to make sure everything is working correctly.   

Both Brian La Kemper and Brain Paterson were concentrating on the ceiling of the 556, March 11th.  AND  it was still kold!!  Notice the heaters in the forground!  Yes, with the heaters working full blast Brain L was working up a sweat!  Mark has been steady in his efforts in restoring the 556.  This is the results of Mark priming the entire area where the baggage racks once were located.  Do not fret... once they are stripped of the old paint and rust, then primed and top coated they will be, once again, installed.         Not to be out done... Rick Serenda and Bob Olsen have also been sanding and priming in the 556.     This is a huge project to complete and maybe this year we might get "er" done.                Please, we sure can use your assistance with this and many  other projects in the coach dept.   Remember, Spring is finally here.  Time to dust off the work clothes and come down and join us.    Thanks    Roger