Usually, the Illinois Railway Museum is closed during winter, but for its 70th anniversary, they're doing things differently.
The first of such changes is a special event weekend in January. Saturday the 21st is North Shore Line Day, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the end of NSL service. IRM has the largest NSL collection (18 rail vehicles) with an extensive collection of artifacts. Of those 18 rail vehicles, I believe 9 of those are operable, with 7 of those operating on NSL Day. Side note: both the IRM website and print schedule say 354 is non-operational, yet 354 made revenue runs on the car line for the entire day. Not operating but on display is the first 'Electroliner' set (801 and 802), which is undergoing a full restoration from the wheels up. Tours of the restored sections were available, and it sure looked good. Better than the day it rolled off the shop floors. While it didn't move that day, it has operated under its own power in recent months after receiving new traction motors. Also on display was a line car from 1914, which is currently assigned to IRM's DC overhead line maintenance department.
Operations were conducted differently from normal, with mainline runs originating at East Union, then heading to Kishwaukee Grove and back. But instead of going straight to Jefferson St, the train would pull back into East Union, load and unload passengers, then continue on while another train departed. Adding to the specialties, the 229 (a merchandise dispatch car) was giving cab rides in between the coach trains.
There was some drama with the 251, 757, and 749 losing trolley poles while pulling into East Union, but you'll have to watch the video to see :D
Another surprise: the diesel team had the BN-3 tow 7009 out of the shop and then started her up! I made a separate video of that here: [ Ссылка ]
Although the bitter cold and wind tried to make us leave, it turned out to be a great time. Apparently, the museum hasn’t done an NSL day for a number of years, as evidenced by the large turnout. Most trains ran at full capacity, and there were many photographers all around the property. Unfortunately, it didn’t snow on Saturday, but it did on Sunday for Cabin Fever Day, and they had CNW 7009 operating!!
Equipment operating:
1915 Brill Coach 160
1917 Jewett 'Silverliner' Combine 251
1922 'Merchandise Despatch' Car 229
1926 Cincinnati Coach 714
1928 Streetcar 354
1928 Pullman Coach 749
1930 Standard 'Silverliner' Coach 757
Anyway, that’s my quick summary of the day. If you like what you see, please consider subscribing. I would appreciate it :D
