Entries by Roger Kramer

Significant efforts to place back in service Rock Island 2524 have taken place in that last 2 weeks. I along with a new member Paul Cronin, have reinstalled the missing carrier iron, secured the steam line and installed piping and  an angle cock missing on the trainline. That just on one end! Paul and I have also found the missing  bent brake rod that connects the brakeshoes on the truck to the brake cylinder. Upon repair that too will be installed!  As previously mentioned by Bob Kutella, Paul has much experience working on rr equipment.   Before retirement he was Road Formen of Engines on part of the Boston and Maine RR. Here then, are two Wednesdays worth of  progress preformed by just 2 people.

Our ultimate goal would be to place back in service this car for 2013, our 60th anniversary. Who knows with all the special events and guests we might need another 100 seat coach in the train. Maybe.....we even could make more $ with another coach. We will see.... Would any of the Wednesday weekday crew like to help  on the interior!! Its quite warm when the sun is out even in winter.

Again.....donations are still greatly needed for the funding of Barn 14 building project.     Roger

                        Twas the five nights before Christmas and nothing was happening at the Illinois Railway Museum...but... then their arose  such a clatter in the office... it was the sound of letters of donations being opened by Jan, the head office elf.   Across the hallway working in his "headquarters" was Ole, shinny cheeks, St. Nick himself, working on transportation for his new "charges."  The gingerbread smell was missing this year, too much to accomplish, too little time before the big events next year.    Ms. Carol was busy at her conductors desk working on waybills for the raindeer!      A number of HOHOHOHO...Bo's were working their magic in the barns.   On Gerry, On Paul, Dave, John, Pete, Buzz, Henry, Rich, and Roger; they were all prancing around trying to complete the last presents for the boys and girls  aka X38, Ely, 2524, and 300.   One of the elves was not in the woodshop barn today,  I hope Bob is feeling better.   As  the lunch pails appeared the christmas cookies started to disappear.   Created by Paul's Elfette they were a tasty treat for us hard working souls!  As the day wore down to night I heard Santa exclaim........."Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night."                             Seriously,  to all who have donated to IRM's  various projects this year a big hearty THANK YOU!!!!     The funds for the barn 14 building project are slowly arriving.  The response has been very gratifying.                            To all the Big Children who love trains, thanks again for being so generous.     Keep those cards and letters coming!  All the "Elves" say THANK YOU!.....  Roger...  one of the elves....   

After working on reinstalling the vestibule parts I took a break in the fall of 2011.   When the weather turned to the cold side I began working on the roof of the John Mcloughlin.   Since the vestibule looked so nice the peeling, dusty silver gray roof certainly did not compliment the " new look" for display.  Here then are some results of my efforts to improve the sleeper's appearance

My attention will now be turning to the interior women's bathroom. My next blog will feature the before pictures of the bathroom and a sample of the finished product. When considering your next donation to IRM please include the Barn 14 Inside Storage Fund. You'll be glad you did!!!   Roger