Illinois Railway Museum Blog

I am just adding to what Nigel has said about the Shay.     Here are a few more pictures of the progress.    Most people do not realize how much work it went into getting the Shay to just this point!    This was not only a weekend working session for many of the volunteers but also a week day effort.   I was out working on the passenger coach fleet on  many a weekday and often stopped by to say "hello."    You name it ...on a Monday or Tuesday  etc 3 to 6 guys were reassembling the engine, tighten this bolt or  that  etc.     This was again a team effort!   A Volunteer team effort.   Here is a short incomplete list of guys  who worked on it to get to this point    Brian D,  Brain L, Phil, JD, Christian, Cody, Ben, Jason, Dennis, Jeff and about eight others.   Their names escape me at the moment but without their hard work  it would still be siting in the shop in pieces.   Next time you stop in the shop say "Thanks".    Then drop a donation in the mail to the museum and mark it to the Steam Shop!      O yes,  Jeff ask me to remind everyone of the Steam Department Benefit Concert fundraiser again this year at the Sanfilippo Estate in Barrington Hills, Illinois.   If you have never been to this unique collection of restored antique artifacts it is well worth the admission price of  $69.99.    You will also enjoy a beautiful pipe organ concert from the talented brother of Jeff.   Yes, Jeff's brother is quite a talented musician.   Tickets can be purchased on line and the doors open at 1PM.  Hope to see you this coming Sunday.      Thanks  Roger