Illinois Railway Museum Blog

          It was a beautiful day this past Wednesday and  the barn 3 parking lot was full of cars.   We had a very productive work session.   Here is just one days activities with 9 energized volunteers. Kudos to the following: Dan Bogus, Dan Bixler, Loraine Bixler, Paul Cronin, Austin Harvey, John McKelvey, Bob Olsen, Rick Serenda and myself.  Not pictured but of first importance was the pressure washing of the passenger cars inside of the barn.   Paul Cronin started this detail earlier in the day and you can definitely tell the difference.  The washing of grime and dust off the equipment makes a world of difference on their appearance.       The other major emphasis was placed on our operating Rock fleet.  The two Rock Island coaches 2582 and 2571 that are going to be used for the first service of the year were worked on and made ready to our customers. 

  The majority of volunteers focused on 2612.  Here are some scenes of progress from both interior and exterior vantage points.     We also did some house cleaning in the John Mcloughlin. Jack Biesterfeld took some time and showed me his latest project in the BM 1094.  And not to be out done, the Lake City finally got the globes installed in the Observation end and hallway.  Thanks to John McKelvey and Dan Boguse for their  efforts in finally installing the globes.  Next thing we need is to install the missing  Drum head sign and then the Lake City will look like it just came in from a run on the famous Milwaukee Road, Olympian.    BTW, John McKelvey took this picture of Dan and I.  Would you like to see the Lake City operating on our main line this year?  There is some talk about that possibility.          Let's see what develops!!               That's the wrap-up for just one single day in the coach department.  Hopefully, next Wed will be just as productive!      Please come out and join us.   What do they say.....the more... the merrier.....                                   With the Summer approaching,  some of these projects need additional  funding that the museum's budget can not afford.  That is where you donations make a huge difference.    The Lake City, BM1094 and the John Mcloughlin  need more funding to continue with their restorations.  Please consider helping.                     Thank You      Roger