Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Here is some of the hottest steam shop news from February!  But before I go into to much detail I would like to invite everyone to the annual Steam Department Benefit taking place this June 24th.   It is a tour of the magnificent collect of antiques  and culminating with a concert using the  beautiful Wurlitzer Theater  organ  of the famous Sanfilippo Estate located in Barrington Illinois.   For the nominal price of $69.99 you will tour this amazing museum and culture center.  Tickets must be purchased before the event.  For more information please visit the front page of this web site.   Now, most of the volunteer work has been focused on the Shay and some minor repairs on the 1630.  The above picture shows the newly manufacture petticoat pipe made for the interior of the smokebox.   The old one is in the foreground.  This piece was made by a local steel contractor called Harmony Steel.  The cost, incidentally,  was $1,500.  Repairing these old timers is not cheap!Now to the other engine being worked on the winter, the 1630.Jason, with assistance from Carnia, is heating the ash pan cover in order to replace the old worn out steel.    These missing pieces should be welded into place in a couple of weeks.  Just in time for service this year.  If you ever wonder where your donations are used just view this blog to get your answer.   Now your up to date and hope you keep your interest and donations coming into the museum and specifically the steam dept.    Thanks    Roger