The Illinois Railway Museum is making available a number of surplus items in an online auction, including an ex-Chicago & North Western steam locomotive tender, a pickup truck, tools, light fixtures, pieces of furniture, historic railroad items, and artwork. These items were acquired by IRM via purchase or donation and have been deemed surplus to the museum’s requirements. Funds raised through this auction will go to support the museum’s preservation and educational mission. The auction can be found at this link.

The items being auctioned are located at 7000 Olson Road, Union, IL 60180. The auction ends Friday, January 17th, 2025, at 10:00 AM Central time, but individual items may be auto-extended in the case of last-minute bids. All items are sold as-is and the buyer is responsible for any inspection of items prior to bidding. Items must be removed within three days of the end of the auction except for the locomotive tender, which must be removed within 12 months. The tender is from an H-class C&NW 4-8-4 locomotive and was converted by the railroad to a maintenance-of-way water car. It is being offered for preservation and not for scrapping.

IRM will be open on Saturday, January 18th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and Monday, January 20th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for removal of items. Appointments for inspection or removal of items on other days must be made in advance; the museum is not currently open and bidders or purchasers should not come to the museum without first confirming an inspection or pickup day and time. For more details and contact information, please see the auction link below.

As of January 17th, this auction has concluded.