If you are at all familiar with NPR's Car Talk, you may be familiar with the Tappet Brothers' (Click and Clack) Shameless Commerce Division. Noting the success of this operation the senior management of the Hicks Car Works has decided to implement a Shameless Prodding Division hoping that you will be prodded yo help build the next barn at IRM.
As it has been noted before the very nature of the material which is used to construct transportation equipment is subject to deterioration from continued exposure to the elements. The only way to ensure that surface and/or deeper deterioration does not occur is to place the items, in this case our rolling stock, undercover. We have noted several times the effects of continued exposure to the elements. It is very disconcerting for volunteers that have spent time restoring equipment to see that restoration deteriorate as a result of weather exposure.
Case in point here we have a photograph at one of the more famous Electric Railway Museums (and I don't mean to throw stones at them). As you can see they are attempting to be preserve one PCC car with the use of a tarp. However, as we know the tarps require constant attention. This blog frequently reports on Randy's trips to the south end of IRM to ensure that 321 continues to be protected by its tarp. But as this photo shows tarps can't always be counted on to provide the necessary protection. In addition any preservation efforts can't be appreciated when they are hidden from view. The other two PCC's have no protection and are deteriorating as a result of exposure to the elements.
I tend not to take photos of deteriorated equipment so I don't have too many. But in this case I am presenting two bus photos for which I apologize. It seems that at many museums the buses tend to be somewhat more neglected than the railway rolling stock and provide a good example of what will happen if equipment is not protected from the elements.
But to the point indoor storage can only be achieved with contributions from all interested IRM friends.
YOU, yes you are being prodded to do something about it! IRM is in the process of raising funds for Barn 14. There are several funds you can donate to, but we here at the Hicks Car Works ask that you donate to code name RISWEC for cars in the Electric Car Department Collection. Make a minimum $25.00 donation today! You can mail your check to this address:
Illinois Railway Museum
P.O. Box 427
Union, IL 60180
P.O. Box 427
Union, IL 60180
If you want to, you can donate through this secure online link.
Any bit helps, so donate today!
