Entries by Roger Kramer

Here are some pictures and descriptions of the incredible Mt. Harvard crane lift that took place at the Mid-Continent RR museum in North Freedom, Wisconsin, Oct 14 and 15 of this year. [Near the Wisconsin Dells]  I would like to thank all  who donated to the restricted fund, Mt. Harvard project. You helped make it possible to ship this sleeper to the museum in just five months!  Maybe a record!!  Everyone is cordially invited to view the Mt. Harvard at Irm.  Special thanks to Paul Cronin who advised me when ordering cranes and the trucking company.  Yes, this sleeper was quit heavy. Its 93 tons required two cranes to finally lift its off its trucks. [wheels] I hope you have received the most current Rail and Wire newsletter.  Its cover article outlines and explains the history of the sleeper and its donation to the museum.   In future blogs I will be discussing more about the move to the museum.   The current dollar estimates to rent cranes and the special trucking have depleted our restricted fund balance.  Please consider a donation to the Mt. Harvard so we can continue its future restoration.   Thanks to everyone for their continued  support.        Roger Kramer

Two weeks ago Paul and I meet at the Mid Continent RR Museum and removed stairs and other parts to prep the Pullman sleeper for the long move to Irm. The next Mt. Harvard blog entry's will cover the move and its unloading at Irm.    To cover the costs of this transportation project and future restoration will be an expensive undertaking.  This will be the most heavy piece of equipment that Irm has yet shipped by truck!   Please consider a donation to the Mt. Harvard fund to help defray the costs of this  move.          Thanks   Roger

As I have mentioned in a previous blog we have recently began waxing, polishing and maintaining the exterior appearance of a number of our previously painted equipment!  The equipment  worked on include the BLE 25, IC 2804, DM&IR 84, ATSF 2544, Dover Strait and L&N 2726.   Basically, this involves washing car sides and roofs to remove years of old dust and dirt and then using Auto car wax to bring back the shine on many of these dull looking pieces.Its amazing what a little hard work did to transform these dull looking pieces into a shiner appearance  in which we again can be proud to show and operate. The 2726 and the Dover needed less attention for the fact that they were always stored inside!  When the painted equipment stays outside for any length of time the sun rays slowly oxidize and dull the finish.  Hopefully, to save us from doing this again, they will be switch back into the barns more expediently in the future.     My next blog will show you how some of the equipment look when running on our main in their new appearance .  If  you would like to help us maintain the exterior appearances  please consider a donation to the Passenger Coach Department Fund.        Thanks  Roger