Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Here is our good news for Fathers Day. WE are almost to the point of releasing the 556 for service.   Here's a detailed account of our latest work sessions. First,  I would like to welcome Jeff Button to our growing list of volunteers.    Jeff is from Harvard, Illinois and enjoys watching the 1630 pulling in and out of East  Union.                                                  Yes, as you can see, the lights do operate in this coach.  We might have some night operations with these coaches later this fall.  Next to last little project is to move the seat backs and cushions from their storage location in the Bessemer 25 combine to their proper location in the 556.   Again, Paul Cronin and I thank all of you who participated in this lengthy but important restoration of the Erie Lackawanna 556 interior.Remember.....the 556 once looked like this. This project was first started  in 2009 by Mike, Ray, and Shelly.   Now, after a much concentrated effort and leadership by Paul Cronin the coach is almost completed. We would still like to repaint the exterior.  It needs it.   The last time all three cars were painted were in the middle 1970's.   Don't you think they deserve a new coat of paint!?   Estimated cost is about $16,000 each.     We will see if the new 2017 budget will earmark this expenditure!   Don't  forget to come out and view our new paint job.  I think you will be impressed with all our hard work.    Thanks  Roger

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 dramatic change since we first started this project about six years ago.   The next blog will be even more impressive! 

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