Steam Department

First, let me say that on recent visits to the steam shop I was duly impressed by how many volunteers there were. Counting 25 would not be an understatement.  Working on five or so different projects has created a number of teams.  These teams are comprised of like minded Men and Women concentrated on various tasks to get the job done.  Incidentally, there are also two father and son teams that regularly volunteer in the shop. Here are the teams working on the 428. Please be sure and view my blog referring to the successful UP 428 Challenge grant.  It was listed two days ago.  Just a reminder... Please consider joining the Team IRM.    Whether working on coaches, buses, interurbans or steam engines volunteering at the Illinois Railway Museum is well worth your time and investment.      Thanks      Roger

Just a short note to thank all of you who participated in the Union Pacific 428 Challenge grant.  I will give you a little background for those of you who missed reading about it in an earlier blog.    I wrote about a benefactor who offered a challenge of $5,000. to the 428 fund if donations could be matched up to that amount!  Yes, he would contribute that amount!  The response so successful that the time limit as well as the match was extended.   The  challenge grant was  increased to $8,000 and time limit was extended thru the last day of February.   I am happy to report that most of that grant was matched bring the total to $15,389.  As a direct result of the interest generated there has been an uptick in activity on the engine.   Already, in the steam shop there are three teams working on various jobs concerning the 428. Please consider your donations to the 428 fund! Your money does make a difference.  The future seems a lot brighter now for the 428!  I will show more results in a couple of weeks         Thanks     Roger 

We have  reached the matching grant goal of $5,000.00 for the UP 428 steam locomotive.   Since there has been such a genuine and increased interest in this project the donor has decided to increase the match to $8,000 and extend the match time till February 28, 2018!  Many of you are interested in financially helping with this project.   Here is your incentive and opportunity!    Remember to either send in a check or call to the office and make a contribution to the UP 428 Challenge Grant.  The office number is 815-923-4391.  Here are a few pictures of recent progress.  Work has already increase on the 428 since this was originally announced!    Your gift does make a difference!  These next eight pictures are of last weekend's developments.  Part of the steam team poured hot hot  Babbitt into the cross head guides of the engine.  There are four of them.  This is just the first one to be poured.  Unfortunately, I was not around to take a photo of the actual pouring of the hot material into the guide.  But, arriving at the museum yesterday, Tom Schneider show me the results of the successful pour.    B-t-w, we could send some of these projects to outside venders but in this way we are teaching the next generation how to repair and restore these "iron horse" locomotives.   I will certainly keep you informed on the progress!   Thanks again for all you donations and interest!      Roger Kramer