Entries by Ray Piesciuk

Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Friday, July 12. 2013

2200s Arrive Posted by Ray Piesciuk in Electric Car Department at 06:20

To follow-up on Jamie's post, both cars of our 2200s pair (2243-2244) are now on the property. The journey leading to their delivery has been a long and at times arduous one. We anticipated their arrival quite some time ago, but the original retirement date of this series of cars was pushed back several times due to delays in delivery of CTA's 5000 series cars. Even the specific cars we were getting changed. Mainly through the efforts of Eric Zabely with help from Richard Schauer, JL Saunders Jr., and Nick Espevik (among others), the cars finally arrived on Wednesday July 10 and Thursday July 11, 2013.

2243-2244 shortly after their arrival – Photo by Nick Espevik

Work will start immediately on inspections and getting the cars ready for the public. Eventually these cars, like the 2000s, will be fitted with trolley poles so they can run in service. A HUGE thank you goes out to all of you who have supported this project, either with direct donations or through your purchase of Snowflake Special tickets over the past several years. This would not have been possible without your support.

The 2200s in their first home at 50th Avenue – Photo by Nick Espevik

Saturday, June 8. 2013

More Progress on the CTA 2000s Posted by Ray Piesciuk in Electric Car Department at 23:38

More Progress on the CTA 2000s

Today, for the first time in almost 20 years, CTA “L” cars 2153-2154 moved as a two-car train, with both cars powering properly. After replacing a motor, then troubleshooting and solving propulsion system issues, the cars made a test trip around the carline followed by several mainline trips and performed beautifully. Barring any unforeseen situation, this ensures that these cars will be in the Trolley Pageant on Saturday, July 06. While there are still some minor details that still need to be worked on, there is a very good chance that these cars will be IN SERVICE before the end of the season!!!

A big THANK YOU to project lead Richard Schauer who spent an enormous amount of time on this project along with his main assistant David Fullarton. And with apologies to those who are not listed, there have been many others who have helped on the project including support from Car Dept. Superintendent Rod Turner, and “wrench-turners” Jerry Saunders, Nick Espevik, Greg Kepka, Bill Ligeros, Warren Lloyd, Joel Ahrendt, and many others.

Wednesday, May 1. 2013

IRM Receives Charitable Grant for ... Posted by Ray Piesciuk in Electric Car Department at 00:18

IRM Receives Charitable Grant for Exterior Restoration of CTA 2153-2154

2000s in their original Mint Green and Alpine White paint scheme

The Illinois Railway Museum is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 Railroad Heritage Grant from the Tom E. Dailey Foundation. This generous contribution from the Foundation has been earmarked for our CTA 2000-series "L" cars, 2153-2154 (Pullman-Standard, 1964). Specifically, the grant will greatly help fund the exterior restoration of CTA 2153-2154, in which they will be backdated to the distinctive Mint Green and Alpine White paint colors which they wore upon their delivery to the CTA in 1964. CTA 2153-2154 are the only unmodified 2000-series "L" cars in preservation, and were considered cutting-edge upon their manufacture due to the inclusion of fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, molded fiberglass carbody components, and "Space Age" design elements.

The Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc (501)(C)(3) was established through an endowment by Tom Dailey, a senior executive in the payment processing industry for nearly 30 years. The Foundation was created as a way to to support specific causes which are close to his heart and to share the blessings he has received.

2153-2154 at 50th Avenue Station

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Comments

James Kolanowski about Milwaukee Road 33C update
Fri, 03-29-2024 21:26
We're slackers and spend more time working on the equipment in the shop than keeping all you readers updated. We'll work on it, but I'm sure updates [...]

AJ about Milwaukee Road 33C update
Thu, 03-14-2024 08:02
What happened to the Department Blog? It's been over 2 years and I still regularly check for updates, but nothing comes...

Ted Miles about Progress update of the Multi Purpose Building
Mon, 12-27-2021 16:28
Happy New Year to all the Departments at the Illinois railway Museum! Thanks for all the good work you do in railroad preservation. Ted Miles, [...]

J Blustein about The Old Bag and the Silver Beaver
Wed, 10-13-2021 13:33
Was the CB&Q 1309 every transported to IRM?I’ve been reading old issues of Rail&Wire and the car was mentioned several times.

Jason E about Progress update of the Multi Purpose Building
Mon, 06-07-2021 22:40
I was wondering if in the model layout display what scale would you guys be using and would you be displaying model train history as well? Just [...]

Thomas about It Happened One Saturday at IRM
Wed, 06-02-2021 17:27
Nice to see 428's cab back on. Looking forward to when it is operable!

Ted Miles about It Happened One Saturday at IRM
Tue, 06-01-2021 16:47
I hope the work will continue on the UP #428. Now that they are the museum's connection to the national railroad network; she would be very [...]

bob miller about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Sat, 04-17-2021 23:07
What is the status of 126, the Milwaukee Buffet car that is in S. Dakota? Any guess on when or if it will get to IRM?

Ted Miles about John McLoughlin Progress - Part Two
Wed, 04-14-2021 21:09
Perhaps it is time to scrap the remains of the c, B & Q 7128 to make room for the Villa Real. Ted miles, IRM member

Jason Erkenswick about Diesel Shop update 1/29/2021
Wed, 04-14-2021 15:26
Hi IRM my name is Jason and I was wonder If you guys would be willing to save a CN Dash8-40cm they are currently being retired by CN and being [...]

Alex Schneider about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Fri, 04-09-2021 19:56
Bear in mind that the Nebraska Zephyr is an articulated train set, so cars cannot be inserted at will. Although cars and/or a second engine could be [...]

Matthew Maloy about Dover Strait Progress Part Three
Wed, 03-31-2021 11:37
I believe Silver Pony is currently on the back burner, and has been put into storage in one of the barns. The car needs a lot of work done to it's [...]