Open For Business

The Museum is already open for business again -- the winter season sure went by quickly!  That means, among other things, that I need to be more careful about picking things up, closing doors, and avoiding trip hazards such as extension cords in the aisles.  Typically, during the winter tools and parts can just be left in the middle of the sidewalk -- not any more!

Yesterday was a short work day because my daughter was flying in from Boston.  Mostly, it was more painting in the 319.  As promised, here is the nice new red controller handle at one end:

And there were several minor tasks to perform for variety's sake.  A new cutout cock at one end of the 309 was installed.

And then primer on the truss rods of the 36 where Gerry and I had straightened out the groinks.  Next time these parts can be painted black.

And there were a few inspection tasks remaining on the 36, such as the controllers.  

I didn't spend much time over at Barn 4.  One project I did get a picture of shows Dan Fenlaciki welding the new floor into place on the Cleveland PCC.

Of course, a lot of other people were busy on various projects.  But you can't be everywhere at once.

Finally, and this is not a joke, IRM has a new e-newsletter as part of our ongoing publicity efforts.  Most of the material will already be familiar to current members and/or people who follow the IRM website, but the newsletter should help stimulate contact with local news providers of various sorts.  Frank will be able to tell you more about this.

Opening Day is April 2nd! Opening Day for the 2017 season at the Illinois Railway Museum, beginning our 52nd year of train operations, is Sunday, April 2nd. Early spring is a great time to see a different side of the museum, without the crowds or the hustle and bustle. Climb aboard a warm, cozy interurban car for a ride past budding trees and fields seeing their spring planting. But don't forget about what's coming up soon: Day Out With Thomas™ is in July this year!  Tickets go on sale to IRM members on April 1st and to the general public on April 8th. It is strongly recommended that you buy your tickets early to ensure you get a seat on your preferred trip! Most reserved seats for trips during the morning and early afternoon sell out prior to the event dates, which this year are July 8th, 9th, 15th, and 16th. Click here for Thomas™ information and tickets Interested in getting your Day Out With Thomas™ tickets early to guarantee you get the train time you want? An IRM membership includes free general admission for all of 2017 as well as discounts in the museum's stores, our quarterly magazine Rail & Wire, and more! Click here for membership info. Upcoming events Events at the museum during the coming two months include Scout Day on May 12th-14th; Mother's Day on May 14th (moms admitted free with accompanying child or adult!); and Chicago & North Western Day on May 20th, a new event celebrating this famous railroad. Check out the complete calendar of events  Steam operations start in May The museum's 2-10-0 Decapod, Frisco 1630, is due to start its public operating season Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. And this year, for the first time in some 20 years, YOU can run a steam engine at IRM! This once-in-a-lifetime experience is $500, money which goes directly to support steam restoration at IRM. Guest engineer slots are limited to only 3 over the course of the summer so contact us soon to reserve your spot! Click here to e-mail us. Illinois Railway Museum | 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL 60180 | 815.923.4391 | www.irm.org Join us on Facebook for regular updates and news items!