another “behind the scenes” day this week, as we push forward getting ready for the 2008 season.

Mike, Ray, Wayne, and Shelly all continued a push to get the doors built for the CNW 7700 baggage area. Its going to be close but the hope is to have the doors done and then the car mechanically tested in time for May opening.

http://www.irm.org/gallery/CNW7700

7700 will be the first car out so there will be a wheelchair area right away. Then the CRIP coach behind it will get its ceiling repaired and tested as the second car out

The window for the BLE 25 got its glass fitted and it is now well along in its wood finishing stages, under the guidance of Bob Kutella

Windows for DMIR 84 are also being restored and we hope to enjoy the view of that woodcraft soon as well.

There was a power loss out in Yard 11 so not a lot of work got done on the streamliner set

We also began to get Barn 3 in shape for visitors. Lights replaced, aisles cleared.

A switch move to get the tracks aligned for display awaits a bit of dry weather, to allow the approaches to the barn to harden. The loco crews are hesitant to approach when the ground is so soft, and we agree.

We still plan to open parlor cars this season. Ely will open when Shelly is here, and Susan Marie will open after we get the opening made in the railing alongside. Ultimately, we want to make a second set of cars for entry, to juice up the barn a bit.

As always, we can use more help. Volunteers to lend a hand with spring cleaning, volunteers to become car hosts in the barn, as we need someone to monitor our guests inside the sets. Volunteers to help the ongoing restoration work.

Also, donations continue to be deeply appreciated. The three cars on the IRM website are all being actively worked on, and funds are needed to keep the work going. All donation links can be reached on the IRM website from the right side of our welcome page.

Ok folks so we now have a way to communicate regular updates and add pics and other stuff. First the permit for Barn 11 is in!!!! Congratulations to Dave Diamond for getting it through and all the work it takes to get this far. He hopes to begin construction by mid-May.

The passenger department is planning to deplete much of our department funds to support putting equipment in the new barn space. The current plan includes 9 pieces of equipment

Cascade Knoll/Floyd River/Villa Falls/Ingramport/IC heavyweight diner/CNW Auto Baggage car 8784/John McGlothan(has been indoors unpaid)/IC cafe lounge 3345(also indoors unpaid right now/McKeen Trailer T8

This will give us a huge chunk of indoor space, but it also means that we will be financially strapped for restoration work for a while. So now is a chance for you to make a donation to your favorite car.

The IRM website store has a place to make a donation to the passenger dept indoor storage fund, or there are three specific cars, currently making great progress, but have virtually no funds available. are in need of support. As always, if you have another specific car that catches your interest, feel free to send it in with a designation. We appreciate all help.

There are links on the right side of the main page that will connect you directly to the donation or the main IRM website, as well as the Hicks blog “next door”.