Donations
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, and the ability to turn
Equipment Restoration
The Illinois Railway Museum is soliciting donations for equipment restoration for a specific department. Please choose the department that you would like to have the funds applied to. Donations can be made in various increments up to an amount of your choice.
Steam Locomotive Restoration
The museum has an exceptional collection of steam locomotives. We are very conscious of the need to cosmetically restore and conserve many locomotives, even those unlikely be operational in the near term, if at all. Upcoming restoration work will be focusing on our Illinois Central 2-6-0 Mogul.
Union Pacific 428 Restoration
Union Pacific 428 is the current major restoration project in the Illinois Railway Museum’s Steam Shop. It is a 2-8-0 “Consolidation” mixed-traffic locomotive built in 1900. It has been undergoing a complete restoration for some time and work is steadily progressing towards making the engine operational.
J Neils Lumber 5 Shay
J Neils Lumber Company #5 is the museum's Shay type geared steam locomotive. It has been restored to operation but funds are needed for ongoing maintenance and running repair work. Your contribution can help keep Shay #5 in steam for years to come.
Frisco 1630
Frisco 1630, the museum's 1918 Baldwin 2-10-0 "Decapod," is the museum's most famous steam locomotive. Financial contributions are needed to effect ongoing maintenance and running repair work on this engine. With your support, Frisco 1630 will remain in steam for many years to come.