Illinois Railway Museum Blog

     Buzz has been focusing on the further restoration and upgrades of our famous "private varnish"  passenger car The Ely.  While working on the ceiling in the Ely he noticed the 32 volt light fixtures had paper insulators that were  deteriorating from heat built up and old age.  He searched various web sites and ordered new replacements but had to modify them to fit.  A few porcelain  sockets were in such bad shape that Buzz decided to try and make a few new ones.Recently, Shelly found this  upper clearstory window which had been removed many years ago.  Its  original location was above the porters station.  Buzz recently refinished it and it is now re-installed.  Thanks to Victor for the brass pull. The clearstory windows in the Ely, like other 100 plus year old cars, have an intricate latch/hinge mechanism.  This was also rebuilt.   Notice that this part of the window was as built and still has its wood finish.  The observation lounge has the clearstory painted white with a pinstrip pattern.  Yellowing is from the varnish covering the gold leaf.  We assume this change was made after electrification in the 1910 to 1920 era.  If you know of any lounge photos taken in this car showing the clearstory please contact us as we are in the process of restoring the Obs clearstory.  We plan to have the PV opened for tours but only if docents can be found.   Want to help?  Please see Paul C., Mark G., Buzz M or myself for further details.   YES, donations are needed to continue the progress.   Thanks  Buzz and Roger