Illinois Railway Museum Blog

               Here are two updates on the continuing restorations efforts of the coach department.  First,  Mark Hoffman is still working in the interior of the EL 556.  His focus now is sanding  and priming the wall areas between the windows.   This has been his project for the last few years and finally all his efforts are paying dividends.  We intend to have this car in operation for this years Thomas.   We need more volunteers to help Mark make it happen.   He will be working away this Memorial Day weekend on the coach.    Please consider helping!       The next subject is our old friend RI2612.   We are still working on her with major emphasis on the exterior.                   Work sessions will be scheduled for all three days of the up coming Memorial Day weekend .  Won't you join us?           Watch for an special announcement          Roger


 

       

 The Dover Strait restoration project has again come alive thanks to a renewed interest in its operation for the 2015 season.  The warmer weather,  of course, makes the work somewhat easier.   Thanks to the devotion of two members,  Bob Hunter, project leader, and his assistant Gene Mackowiak, the interior is 90% complete.   I hope to continue where they left off.               The goal is to install all parts, bring in furniture, give the Dover a single car air test,  fix any problems associate w/ that test and then place it in limited service for this season.  Want to be one of the first patrons to ride?   I will keep you updated on our progress and our intentions.   This will be a beauty Pullman bedroom-lounge and will be a very popular ride!  I have already received a number of compliments from other museum members concerning the great job we all doing on the Dover.                                             We still need many  $ of donations to pay for additional  upholstery materials.  Please consider helping.   The work is being preformed by John McKelvey.         Roger