Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Here is a progress report on our interior 556 painting project of the year.     We should have this car back in operation by middle of July and possible by the July Forth holiday!  These pictures were taken the last two weeks of May.     During that time Howard Geier devoted seven days in two different time periods to the  masking, sanding and spraying of the interior.    My compliments to him for if it was not for his efforts  the coach would not have been this far along.  Our thanks to all the volunteers who have dutifully worked to get it done! 

This is a sample of a before and after picture of a painted seat frame

May 16 Howard was painting on one side 

Now both sides are painted

Here is Howard spraying the clerestory ceiling section 

View from one end of the coach 

May 19 more ceiling panels yet to be painted

One of the four new volunteers  sanding below the window line

Want to help keep our efforts continuing?   Please send a donation to the Passenger Coach fund!     Sandblasting, welding and painting are the three most expensive component items that we have to deal with in the Coach department.  The results are certainly worth our efforts.   It sure is nice to ride in a clean and well maintained coach at IRM.   You can help make this possible with your donation.      Thanks Roger