Donations
Online Donation Categories:
General Fund
General Fund
To help with general operating expenses, the Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the General Fund. Donations can be made in various increments or an custom amount of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Indoor Storage Fund
Indoor Storage
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for indoor track space. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice and applied towards general indoor storage, or to a department of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Land Acquisition
Land Acquisition Fund
To help purchase buffer land to prevent encroaching development, the Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the Land Acquisition Fund. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Visitor Center
Main Street Entrance Building
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the Main Street Entrance Building. Additional information will be added soon. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice by changing the quantity. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Build Barn 15
Indoor Storage
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for indoor track space. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice and applied towards general indoor storage, or to a department of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Turntable and Roundhouse
Turntable Fund
A turntable has been a key element of the museum plan for many years. This will be the center of the long term plan to house and present our steam collection in a roundhouse setting. More than that it will present a fascinating visitor attraction, photographic opportunities and the ability to turn all types of equipment to present in different orientations to those with which we are familiar.
We have had on site for a number of years the C&NW table from Harvard. However, this is not of a length that would accommodate larger pieces of the collection. So various opportunities have been explored over the years to obtain a larger table, ideally thru donation. A couple of weeks ago we became aware that Union Pacific had included the table of the Burnham (Denver) repair facility, that we had hoped to obtain by donation, in an auction of all assets of this, now closed, facility.
This table was a target in many ways.
- It is one of the largest at 130ft. and capable of turning any equipment at IRM;
- It is an historic item, being a centerpiece of the Denver & Rio Grande works at Burnham;
- Dating from 1941, it was installed to support Challengers coming to the Burnham facility;
- In 2012 it was subject to a total refurbishment, believed to have cost at least $500,000, so is in virtually as new condition
- Despite its length it is of very shallow depth. This is a critical consideration at Union due to the high water table.
In view of this the Board approved funding to try to acquire it by purchase at the auction.
I am pleased to say that we were successful and actually obtained the table at what was basically a scrap price of $10,000.
Clearly this is just a beginning. We must now move it from Denver to Union, which is no small exercise and will cost several times the purchase price. Once at Union we will have to construct the pit in which it can be installed. This is a MAJOR construction project and will depend upon fundraising on a large scale.
However, as substantially the largest turntable in preservation, the expectation is that this will provide IRM with a major attraction in years to come.
You can make a donation to this project in various increments up to an amount of your choice by changing the quantity. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Thank you for your support!
Track/Signal Maintenance Shop
Track/Signal Maintenance Shop
The Illinois Railway Museum is seeking donations to build a heated building to house the IRM Track Department machine fleet. Our current storage space has become inadequate as we continue to modernize the track machine fleet. Over the last 5 or 6 years, the fleet has grown considerably. The addition of machines to the fleet has allowed us to stop contracting out the main line tie change outs. Having these machines is saving the museum about $40 - $50K a year. By saving those costs, we are rolling those monies back into ties and have continued to maintain our Railroad at Class 3 standards for the main and carline. The problem is many of our machines are sitting outside. Outdoor storage of many of the machines tend to make them poor runners, increases maintenance costs, increases deterioration and shortens life spans. Keeping them dry, warm, and cutting down on UV damage to hoses and cables is important. In order to continue using these machines, they require constant maintenance. We tend to push this work to the late fall, winter, and very early spring, saving the warmer days for production. The problem with pushing the work back to fall, winter and spring, is if the winter is particularly harsh, it is very difficult to get the work done due to the cold and snow. By the addition of this new heated barn we hope to be able to move all equipment to one consolidated building, inside, and perform more maintenance throughout the year.
We also plan on displaying the older, unused MOW tools and speeders for the general public to see. We have the Dodge Custom Automobile track inspection car from the MILW, and received donations of several Track Speeders, many of which are being housed in containers, out of sight from the general public. This new barn gives us a dedicated section to display the entire collection of motor cars, and many older MOW tools.
We currently have a space approved in a portion of Barn 12, which will be located south of the existing Barn 11. This will afford more space at a lower price than the smaller dedicated building originally envisioned.
The building plan also includes an area for the future relocation of the Signal Department to an area three times larger than their current space for work on bungalows, cases, and gates in heated space as well.
You can make a donation to this project in various increments up to an amount of your choice by changing the quantity. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Thank you for your support!
Diesel Restoration & Painting
Diesel Restoration and Painting Fund
IRM proudly houses the nation's largest and most comprehensive collection of diesel locomotives. At any given time, two or more of these engines are undergoing major restoration work in our shop. Work can include repainting, mechanical and electrical rehabilitation, and body work.
Restoration often involves significant cost, even with our volunteers doing the majority of the work. Mechanical components requiring replacement, materials needed for rebuilding efforts, and supplies such as paint all need to be purchased. Donations in support of IRM's diesel locomotive restoration efforts will help preserve and operate these historic locomotives for future generations.
Toledo Peoria & Western 800
Toledo, Peoria and Western 800
Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe 92
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe 92
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the ATSF 92. While we have received enough donations for the engine and alternator replacement, we need to secure just under $20,000 to purchase and install the correct style truck frames under the 92. Eventually, primer and paint supplies to repaint the locomotive will be needed as well. Donations can be made in $25 increments up to an amount of your choice. Donations can also be mailed with check to: Illinois Railway Museum, PO Box 427, Union IL 60180. And please note your check with ATSF 92 in the memo line. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Nebraska Zephyr
Nebraska Zephyr
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the Nebraska Zephyr. These donations will be used for the continued restoration of the train, including reupholstering seats, replacing carpeting, air conditioning repairs and curtain replacement to the first coach Venus, and more. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Chicago & North Western 1518
Chicago & North Western 1518
Chicago & North Western 1518, a GP7, is the first GP-series locomotive (or "Geep") ever built by EMD in 1948. It is being fully restored by IRM volunteers. Funding is needed to help complete this work and return C&NW 1518 to regular service at IRM.
Louisville & Nashville 314
Louisville & Nashville 314
Electric Car Indoor Storage Fund
Indoor Storage
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for indoor track space. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice and applied towards general indoor storage, or to a department of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Chicago Aurora & Elgin 308
Chicago Aurora & Elgin Wood Cars
Chicago Aurora & Elgin 308 is a 1906 wooden interurban car built by the Niles Car & Manufacturing Company. It is completely restored but it needs one of its traction motors rebuilt before it can re-enter regular service at the museum.
New Haven 300
New Haven 300
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for the exterior restoration and repainting of New Haven 300. This EF-4 type electric freight locomotive was built in 1956 and at various times during its career ran on the Virginian, Norfolk & Western, New York New Haven & Hartford (New Haven), Penn Central, and Conrail. Once it is restored it will be the only New Haven electric locomotive preserved as such and one of the only electric locomotives of its era preserved in the country.
Donations can be made through the website or can be mailed with check to:
Illinois Railway Museum, PO Box 427, Union IL 60180. And please notate your check with "New Haven 300" on the memo line. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)3 charitable organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Chicago Rapid Transit Wood Cars
Chicago Rapid Transit Wood Cars
Our volunteers are working on restoring the museum's collection of wooden Chicago 'L' cars. Current work is focusing on the restoration of car 1808, built in 1907 by American Car & Foundry. The most recently completed restoration project was for car 1754, an 'L' car built in 1906 by the Jewett Car Company.
Fox River Electric 306
Fox River Electric 306 Restoration
Aurora Elgin & Fox River Electric 306 is a lightweight interurban car that ran along the Fox River between Carpentersville and Yorkville from its date of construction in 1923 until abandonment of the Fox River line in 1935, after which it ran between Cleveland Shaker Heights, Ohio into the early 1950s. It operated closer to Union in revenue service than any other electric car at IRM. The museum is now soliciting donations to fund the completion of restoration work on this car so that it can be displayed and operated for the public. Phase I will involve rehabilitation of the car's exterior, including work on the windows, doors, and roof to restore the car's appearance. Phase II will involve interior restoration as well as replacement of missing control and electrical equipment to make the car operational.
Shaker Heights Rapid Transit 18
Shaker Heights Rapid Transit 18
Shaker Heights Rapid Transit 18 is an archetypal Cleveland center-entrance streetcar built in 1914. It is complete but is in need of work to repaint and restore it. Donations are being solicited to fund this restoration work so that the car can enter regular operation at IRM.
Pennsylvania RR 476199
Pennsylvania Railroad 476199
Pennsylvania Railroad 476199 is the museum's only four-wheel, or "bobber," caboose. It was built in 1903 by the PRR and was used for half a century. Donations are now being solicited to fund the complete restoration to operation of this historic caboose. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Kingan Refrigerator Lines 943
Kingan Refrigerator Lines 943
Donations are needed to provide for permanent indoor storage space for Kingan Refrigerator Lines (KRLX) 943, one of the last surviving billboard meat reefers anywhere. Once a permanent indoor home for the car is secured, funds will be applied to a full restoration of this historic 1910 wooden freight car.
Passenger Car Indoor Storage Fund
Indoor Storage
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for indoor track space. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice and applied towards general indoor storage, or to a department of your choice. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, all donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Pullman car "John Greenleaf Whittier"
Pullman John Greenleaf Whittier
Donations are needed to fund the restoration of Pullman heavyweight car 'John Greenleaf Whittier', an historic 12-1 sleeping car built in 1929.
Pullman car "Palm Lane"
Pullman Palm Lane
Donations are needed to fund the preservation and restoration of Pullman heavyweight car 'Palm Lane', an historic sleeper-buffet-lounge-"sunroom" solarium car built in 1929.
Pullman car "Mt. Harvard"
Pullman Mt Harvard
Donations are needed for the continued restoration of Pullman solarium car 'Mt Harvard', a heavyweight steel car that was acquired in 2015. Extensive interior restoration work has already been completed. Anticipated restoration costs include sand-blasting the car's roof and repainting its exterior.
Pullman car "Pawnee"
Pullman Car Pawnee
Milwaukee Road "Buffeteria" 126
Milwaukee Road 126
The Illinois Railway Museum is fundraising to move Milwaukee Road "Buffeteria" 126 from Chamberlain, South Dakota, to the museum's campus in Union, Illinois. The 126 is being donated to the museum, and IRM needs your help to get the car to Union. Milwaukee Road 126 was built in 1948 by the Milwaukee Road's Milwaukee shops as a standard 48-seat diner. In 1964, 126 was rebuilt, along with two other cars, into a counter-service style cafeteria car. The name 'Buffeteria' stems from buffet-cafeteria, the service provided on the car. The 126 represents a major gap in the museum's collection of rail dining service, bridging the golden era with current Amtrak services, which this car pioneered. Car 126 features a stainless and glass buffet line, seats for 32 diners, and a full kitchen. In 1971, 126 was sold into private ownership, and the current owner is donating the car to IRM.
The Buffeteria is in complete, unrestored, and original condition. $25,000 is needed to move the car by rail and begin restoration work once the car arrives in Union. 126 is a very unique car that has influenced passenger trains for over 50 years. Please consider a donation to help bring the car to its new home at the Illinois Railway Museum. The Illinois Railway Museum is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit organization, and all donations are tax deductible.
Steam Locomotive Restoration
Steam Locomotive Restoration
The museum has an exceptional collection of steam locomotives. The focus in recent years has been restoration to operating condition, first of Frisco 1630 and then of Shay 5. However, while we may restore other locomotives to operation, we are very conscious of the need to cosmetically restore and conserve many locomotives even if those unlikely be operational in the near term, if at all.
Even cosmetic restoration involves extensive cleaning, de-rusting and repainting as well as some repair work to allow a locomotive to be properly displayed. The first locomotive restored in this way is the Rock Island 4-6-2 Pacific 938, which was completed in 2017 and is now on display in Barn 9.
The objective of this project to consider the steam collection as a whole and carry out a program of restorations based upon need and resources. The next target is expected to be the Illinois Central Mogul 3719.
Such work involves significant cost, whether the decision is to restore to operation or cosmetically for display. Donations in support of this project will help preserve these historic locomotives for future generations and improve the displays that we can provide to our visitors.