Illinois Railway Museum Blog

       The weather has warmed and so has the interest on the RI 2612.   Last week, Brian Paterson and Brian La Kemper preformed a single car air test on the coach and found a pair of leaks that must be repaired  before the coach can be placed back in service.  This weekend found the both of them repairing those leaks.    This involved replacing a leaking angle cock and an air line "T" fitting.  In this case, like most of the older equipment, the replacement of the pipe became more involved.  Helping the two Brian's was young Phil from the steam shop.   Together they had to remove twenty feet of air line pipe in order to repair the damaged "T" fitting.  Nothing is easy!    Hopefully, with the help of Tom Schneider and other steam shop members a new pipe will be bent and installed next weekend.   My thanks for all those helping to make this repair!   

     And on the exterior...... Last Wednesday, Austin Harvey, began needle chipping the second vestibule.     Saturday, Howard and Mary Gierer continued the chipping and removed almost 2/3 of the old yellow paint from below the belt rail.   Thanks to all three of you for your continued efforts.      We hope to continue prepping this side for the eventual painting of the  Pullman green color this year.  Would you like to join us?  It seems as if Wednesdays are the perfect time for midweek activities at Irm.   If you can't make on a Wednesday I am also at the barn 3 most Tuesday's and Thursday's.      As always,  I enjoy helping you, the volunteer, get started on a project.    Please stop by Barn 3 for a visit and view our progress!                   Roger