Just Can't Get Enough of IT

 On Saturday, the Illinois Terminal Historical Society held its annual convention at IRM, and a good time was had by all.  And perhaps the most exciting news:

The big highlight of the day was the first public operation of 1702, the line car:

for the first time since 1958!

Passenger operations included the three-car mainline train, powered by combine 277:

And the center-entrance car 101:

The complete list of operating equipment consisted of:

• 277, 518, and 234 (IT standard heavy interurban cars)
• 101 (center-entrance car)
• 1565 (Class B locomotive)
• 415 (suburban car, the flagship of IRM)
• 1702 (line car)
• 1605 and 988 (Diesel era locomotive and caboose) plus freight cars

The business car 233 and sleeper Peoria were also on display.

The daytime crew on the 277 train consisted of Bob Neil, myself, Gregg Wolfersheim, and Mark Hoffman:

Photo by Matt Gustafson

Gregg was later replaced by Joel.  And they were holding take-the-throttle runs on the Class B and the 1605 for much of the day.

Interior of the 234:

We also provided local service to Seemann Rd. for photographers.

The 233 and Peoria were staged over at 50th Avenue for the visitors to walk through.

The 233 still has all of its electrical equipment except traction motors, I think.

The front section has this equipment in place:

Sorry, I should have gotten a better picture of it.

The main compartment:

The kitchen:

And here are a few views of the Peoria.  Not enough room for good pictures.