I see that the IRM website is listing that the UP DD40X 6930 is scheduled to run this weekend along with the SP 1518. I wasn't even aware that this locomotive was anywhere near servicable. Can anyone here confirm this that they do intend to run her or is this just a typo? I plan to be there Monday anyway, perhaps I will get a bonus.
Steve

lead_sled7@hotmail.com

Steve:

I just searched the only IRM website I know of (irm.org) and I don't see anything about this.
Where on the website did you see it?

Scott


shawsinoly@aol.com

> Steve:

> I just searched the only IRM website I know
> of (irm.org) and I don't see anything about
> this.
> Where on the website did you see it?

> Scott
Scott, if you look at the calendar and click on Sept 1st, it will list the equipment that is planned to be running on that day.
Steve

Steve:

Sure enough, there it is. Thanks.

I'm surprised we haven't heard about this big bad boy being brought back to life. Likely others here know more.

Scott


shawsinoly@aol.com

It is not a typo. I haven't been personally involved in this project, but apparently the IRM Diesel Department has been able to get 6930's control systems working. The plan is that it will be trained with recently-acquired SP SD7 #1518, with 6930 acting as control unit and 1518 providing the motive power, and will operate a demonstration freight train in this fashion. I don't have any details - I'm interested in seeing this myself!

Frank Hicks

Preserved North American Electric Railway Cars

F-Hicks@wiu.edu

> It is not a typo. I haven't been personally
> involved in this project, but apparently the
> IRM Diesel Department has been able to get
> 6930's control systems working. The plan is
> that it will be trained with
> recently-acquired SP SD7 #1518, with 6930
> acting as control unit and 1518 providing
> the motive power, and will operate a
> demonstration freight train in this fashion.
> I don't have any details - I'm interested in
> seeing this myself!

> Frank Hicks

Wouldn't it be a hoot to see the 6930 running and pushing the turbine out on the IRM line. Wow!, that would be a real photo op. I have to hand it to the good folks at IRM, if you haven't been there lately, the place looks GREAT!!!
Thanks to all of those who have worked so hard!!!
Steve


lead_sled7@hotmail.com

Maybe the 18 could move itself around. It wouldn't be turbine power, but from the 6 cylinder in it. Something to look for--maybe next year, if we have the time.

Later,
Jamie

> Wouldn't it be a hoot to see the 6930
> running and pushing the turbine out on the
> IRM line. Wow!, that would be a real photo
> op. I have to hand it to the good folks at
> IRM, if you haven't been there lately, the
> place looks GREAT!!!
> Thanks to all of those who have worked so
> hard!!!
> Steve


http://www.irm.org/

> Maybe the 18 could move itself around. It
> wouldn't be turbine power, but from the 6
> cylinder in it. Something to look for--maybe
> next year, if we have the time.

> Later,
> Jamie

With the new webcam opened to large size and speeded up to 2 sec/frame, IRM put on quite a show for the housebound today. UP6930 on a freight train (with helper), Steam passenger train, North Shore cars, CTA cars and what looked like a good crowd. Definitely extensive operation of a wide variety of equipment ... must take a lot of volunteers ???


lamontdc@adelphia.net

Did anyone get any pictures of 6930? I was watching the webcam off and on all day but with my luck caught everything but the 6930.

It sure looked like quite a show. A list of what I saw running from the cam:

1630 and coach train
Zephyr
Metra F and bilevels
Second Metra F with Milw F by themselves
North Shore cars
CTA cars
4391 on trolley loop
CSL car on trolley loop
CJ&E car?

davelecount@juno.com

> CJ&E car?

Oops! Never post after bedtime. I think it was one of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin cars.

davelecount@juno.com

Definitely
> extensive operation of a wide variety of
> equipment ... must take a lot of volunteers
> ???

Well, it does take a lot of volunteers, and we always have room for more. While there was a good crowd, the cool weather and all day drizzle and rain in Chicago resulted in less turnout than we hoped. Oddly enough there was little or no precip at our place and the cloudy neutral light made for some good conditions for photos, especially of the eight car steam train. I think a lot of fans got the message of rarely or newly operational equipment since there was a high proportion of visitors festooned with multiple neck straps and dangling cameras, bags, and other goodies.

Bob Kutella


68trolley@comcast.net

> Oops! Never post after bedtime. I think it
> was one of the Chicago Aurora & Elgin
> cars.

Yep - CA&E #431, IRM's steel 1927 Cincinnati-built car.

Frank Hicks

Preserved North American Electric Railway Cars
F-Hicks@wiu.edu

> I can only join with my fellow Director Bob Kutella and say that yes, it takes LOTS of volunteers--and not just those for the glamour (?) jobs in nice uniforms or on cushioned seats. For example, the steam crew discovered a broken grate when they dumped the firebox that morning, and had to crawl in and replace it--not a fun job, as I know from personal experience. And while many of the volunteers were out running trains, there were still dozens more back in the shops, plugging away at projects that might not see daylight for another decade or two.

I am constantly awed--and deeply gratified--by the depth of dedication shown by IRM's volunteers. They are the reason that we have survived for 50 years, and have amassed the largest and finest collection of rolling stock in the U.S. We can ALWAYS use more volunteers--but I certainly wouldn't turn down a few million bucks for a few more barns, restoration funds, etc.!


Kevinmccabe@avenew.com