Steam Department

The steam department accomplished a major milestone July 3 when the J. Neils Lumber Co was fired up for the first time since 1999!  The FRA inspector was out watching the first fire up checking on any repair issues that that show up.     There were a couple of minor problems but they will be addressed and repaired before the next fire-up.   Here are some pictures of the event. 

The next few pictures are the movement under steam.  The engine moved under its own power for the first time since 1999.   Its been a very successful first fire up.   Now to a couple of personal observations.    For one thing the whistle sound is quite amazing.    Loud, which you would expect but also quite ear piercing.    The engine definitely makes a different sound when moving.    Not like a rod engine which makes a chuff chuff chuff. More like a fine tuned machine.  You must see and hear it for yourself.   That's a invitation.  

I don't know when both engines will be operating together for the first time!  BUT....  Make sure your schedule is open for Antique Transportation day, Labor Day and or Railfan weekend in September!      During these many blogs  I have always asked for donations to various projects here at Irm.   Well, This is the reason.  Your separate donations DO make a difference.   Here is the proof.    Although, it took a long time, the results are worth the wait!   Now to the next operating steam locomotive.   Union Pacific 428 needs more money to complete that project!  My next blog will be about the progress on the 428.    Please help with this project !       Thanks  Roger  

The Steam Department reached a major milestone yesterday by installing the smokebox cover to the front of the boiler barrel on our Shay #5 steam engine.   This is the culmination of years of work and many numerous people working towards this goal.   I can't remember when the group first started working on this project but it certainly has been at least nine or ten years.  Please notice at least one thing as you view these pictures.    The  many volunteers are relatively  young.   These young people are the future of the Steam Department and it bodes well for the museum in general.   As I have said previously, on any given Saturday, you can come down to the Steam Shop and see at least 20 people working on various projects.  Here now is what happened yesterday and last week in the shop. Yes, this is a new smoke box cover.  Completely remade and manufactured by the steam shop forces.   You can keep the progress flowing by funding the Steam Department with your donations!                Thanks        Roger

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