Car 453 Has Arrived!

Chicago Aurora and Elgin car 453 arrived at IRM today, was unloaded, and moved into one of our carbarns for storage.  Everything went well, in spite of the dreary weather, and while a lot of work remains to be done before it can be used, I believe the most worrisome parts of this whole project are behind us.

A lot of people helped make this a success.  First, of course, we must thank all of you who contributed to the 453 fund, especially the two major donors, Jeff Wien and anonymous.  Mike Trosino and the other people at Electric City made the car available at a very reasonable price and helped get it ready for shipment.  Silk Road did the transportation and Whitey's provided the rented crane and its expert operator.  And several IRM members turned out to help with the unloading: Joel Ahrendt, Paul Cronin, Nick Kallas, Bob Olson, Mark Secco, Gregg Wolfersheim, and a visitor from Orange Empire, Phil Palmieri.   Without all of them it wouldn't have been possible.

The off-and-on rain and thick clouds made photography difficult.  This operation was much like the Electroliner project, only simpler.  So I hope a blow-by-blow explanation won't be necessary.  Enjoy!

And we should have more tomorrow!