Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Just a quick update from last night on Wednesday evening...the batteries recently installed into 7525 were cabled up and everything tested successfully, so that project is complete. Next up on this loco is to go through a very thorough cleaning of the traction motors to improve their megger readings.

Photo: Cables connected to the new batteries.

Photo: Our first loco with a computer, which shows a battery voltage of 66 volts.

Last Sunday, Nick D was able to trim the front corner of the 33C's nose that had been previously torch cut and ground everything smooth so the supports and patch can be welded in place very soon.

Photo: Metal grinding and trimming completed on 33C.

Gregg W was also in the shop yesterday painting many parts for the Union Pacific M-35 doodlebug. While those were drying in other areas, he was sanding some wood pieces for another car he is also working on.

Photo: Gregg sanding some wood trim.

This coming Saturday is a meeting day for half the day in the morning, but we still plan on working on some projects in the afternoon and on Sunday. If you would like to volunteer in the shop and help out on the current projects being 7525, 1605, 411 and 33C, let us know!