Illinois Railway Museum Blog

We have  reached the matching grant goal of $5,000.00 for the UP 428 steam locomotive.   Since there has been such a genuine and increased interest in this project the donor has decided to increase the match to $8,000 and extend the match time till February 28, 2018!  Many of you are interested in financially helping with this project.   Here is your incentive and opportunity!    Remember to either send in a check or call to the office and make a contribution to the UP 428 Challenge Grant.  The office number is 815-923-4391.  Here are a few pictures of recent progress.  Work has already increase on the 428 since this was originally announced!    Your gift does make a difference!  These next eight pictures are of last weekend's developments.  Part of the steam team poured hot hot  Babbitt into the cross head guides of the engine.  There are four of them.  This is just the first one to be poured.  Unfortunately, I was not around to take a photo of the actual pouring of the hot material into the guide.  But, arriving at the museum yesterday, Tom Schneider show me the results of the successful pour.    B-t-w, we could send some of these projects to outside venders but in this way we are teaching the next generation how to repair and restore these "iron horse" locomotives.   I will certainly keep you informed on the progress!   Thanks again for all you donations and interest!      Roger Kramer