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. 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. 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!! One of Jeron's and Cody's first projects is the purchase and installation of new window gasket material.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
Comments
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 [...]
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...
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, [...]
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.
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 [...]
Wed, 06-02-2021 17:27
Nice to see 428's cab back on. Looking forward to when it is operable!
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 [...]
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?
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
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]