Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Entries from Sunday, March 20. 2016

Sunday, March 20. 2016

The first car in Barn 13 and 14 Posted by James Kolanowski in Barn 14 Construction at 20:08

Comment (1)

The first car in Barn 13 and 14

On Sunday, March 20th, the first car was moved into Barn 14 after receiving occupancy on Friday. The car was Grand Trunk Western 5316, a coach that was relocated from Barn 9. With the completion of Barns 13 and 14, the museum now has 3.07 miles of indoor track space! Two other cars were moved into Barn 14 as well, those were the Great Northern 70104 and the Bordens Milk Car 520. Over the coming weeks and months, many more hours of switching will occur to begin filling the new barns and rearranging many of the existing barns.

Photo by Jeron Glander of the first car moved into Barn 14.

Sunday, March 20. 2016

Campaign for the Silver Pony Posted by Roger Kramer in California Zephyr Silver Pony at 16:04

Comments (4)

Campaign for the Silver Pony

Many of you have been waiting for this announcement and so here is the good news! Jeron Glander and Cody Ziarko have drawn up a long term plan to restore the Silver Pony to operation! With the approval and input of Curator, Paul Cronin, the initial steps have been finalized! Jeron and Cody have already begin working on the "Pony" as of this blogging.

Picture of interior facing the dome stairs

Another view with some lights on

The two major steps to this project are, first, repair the interior by installing new windows, fixing the lighting circuits and generally cleaning the interior so that it is presentable for tours. The second phrase, and more expensive, will be the costly repair of both trucks, repairing the air conditioning system, upgrading and installing a reliable electric system to power the needs of the Dome.

We are missing several lighting fixtures. Three fluorescent fixtures located in the dome and three small fixtures located in the lower seating sections.

Here is a picture of the stairs leading up to the dome area

THIS will be a very expensive project! It will need almost the same amount of money[$] as the Electroliner project! If you have given donations to the Electroliner in the past please seriously consider sending any donations large or small to this project! If you are a fan of Budd equipment or light weight equipment in general this project is just right for you!!

We have already acquired most of the seats for the Pony. That was accomplished three years ago by the late Phil Stepek.

One of Jeron's and Cody's first projects is the purchase and installation of new window gasket material.

Photo of the dome section. Much work has to be completed to make it presentable!

This will be any amazing car to ride. The view from the dome will be breathtaking! Depending on the amount of dollars given to this project the Pony might be available to operate in excursion service with our Zephyr! Just think of the possibilities! Now, Jeron and Cody, definitely, can not accomplish this by themselves so... They have asked me to pass along this request: to help by volunteering and becoming part the team they are putting together; THE PONY TEAM! I know a number of you have already asked about helping with this special project. Well... Come on out and join the Pony Team! Here, now, is your opportunity to help bring this unique piece of railroad equipment back into operation. Cody and Jeron are working on the Pony in barn 11 most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Come out and see the progress and join their team. Yes, don't forget your check book!!! Thanks Roger

« previous page (Page 1 of 1, totaling 2 entries) next page »
Frontpage

Blog Administration

Open login screen

Category Tree

Calendar

Quicksearch

Comments

James Kolanowski about Milwaukee Road 33C update
Fri, 03-29-2024 21:26
We're slackers and spend more time working on the equipment in the shop than keeping all you readers updated. We'll work on it, but I'm sure updates [...]

AJ about Milwaukee Road 33C update
Thu, 03-14-2024 08:02
What happened to the Department Blog? It's been over 2 years and I still regularly check for updates, but nothing comes...

Ted Miles about Progress update of the Multi Purpose Building
Mon, 12-27-2021 16:28
Happy New Year to all the Departments at the Illinois railway Museum! Thanks for all the good work you do in railroad preservation. Ted Miles, [...]

J Blustein about The Old Bag and the Silver Beaver
Wed, 10-13-2021 13:33
Was the CB&Q 1309 every transported to IRM?I’ve been reading old issues of Rail&Wire and the car was mentioned several times.

Jason E about Progress update of the Multi Purpose Building
Mon, 06-07-2021 22:40
I was wondering if in the model layout display what scale would you guys be using and would you be displaying model train history as well? Just [...]

Thomas about It Happened One Saturday at IRM
Wed, 06-02-2021 17:27
Nice to see 428's cab back on. Looking forward to when it is operable!

Ted Miles about It Happened One Saturday at IRM
Tue, 06-01-2021 16:47
I hope the work will continue on the UP #428. Now that they are the museum's connection to the national railroad network; she would be very [...]

bob miller about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Sat, 04-17-2021 23:07
What is the status of 126, the Milwaukee Buffet car that is in S. Dakota? Any guess on when or if it will get to IRM?

Ted Miles about John McLoughlin Progress - Part Two
Wed, 04-14-2021 21:09
Perhaps it is time to scrap the remains of the c, B & Q 7128 to make room for the Villa Real. Ted miles, IRM member

Jason Erkenswick about Diesel Shop update 1/29/2021
Wed, 04-14-2021 15:26
Hi IRM my name is Jason and I was wonder If you guys would be willing to save a CN Dash8-40cm they are currently being retired by CN and being [...]

Alex Schneider about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Fri, 04-09-2021 19:56
Bear in mind that the Nebraska Zephyr is an articulated train set, so cars cannot be inserted at will. Although cars and/or a second engine could be [...]

Matthew Maloy about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Wed, 03-31-2021 11:37
I believe Silver Pony is currently on the back burner, and has been put into storage in one of the barns. The car needs a lot of work done to it's [...]