Quote: I definitely think someone should start a KickStarter campaign for the car on behalf of IRM. If the purchase price can be raised, I bet the museum will handle the rest (transportation, loading, etc).
What I have learned in working with museums, both big and small, is that the decision to acquire something has to come from the museum's management. Getting ahead of that process usually doesn't end well.
IRM does have a defined process for evaluating and deciding upon potential acquisitions. If they express serious interest in pursuing this car I would gladly offer assistance in supporting grant request, preparing a statement of significance, and project planning. (I can be contacted via a private message on this site)
I believe a fundraising effort for this car would be successful as many fans and former employees of the Rock Island are reaching an age where air conditioning is an important consideration. The 2702 offers the opportunity to enjoy a trip behind a steam locomotive or a vintage diesel in 1940s style. As a fundraising project, I think it would have wide appeal that could be reached with a variety of methods that might combine Kickstarter and more traditional methods.
As to Rock Island locomotive 938, it was frequently used in commuter service. Among other features, it has an extra large dynamo that provided 32VDC electric lighting to passenger cars.
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