Illinois Railway Museum Blog

We have completed, in 2020, the installation of all the window frames in the 649. 20 frames have been painted and installed with new window gaskets and new glass window panes. Our Lead restorationist on the project, Steve Dobberfuhl, along with Howard Geier, have done a marvelous job getting this coach back into operational shape. Two items yet to be resolved before it is released for operation is the repair of the trucks and the air conditioning system. That will be the job for 2021.

Howard painting the exterior window frames.

Steve is working in our woodshop manufacturing new white oak trim for the interior framing of each window.

Finished wood trim. Please note the many different angles that had to be handmade and custom fitted.

Here Steve is preparing the exterior surface by cleaning the old residue off each window opening.

South side of the coach now has all frames installed.

Steve is explaining to John Knoll some of the repairs.

Howard smiles after preparing the roof for primer.

Repainting the roof has already begun.

Please consider stopping by and viewing all our progress in the museum's Freight car and Coach barn 10 shop.  Thanks, Roger.