Me and a few other Railroaders are in the process of trying to get to engines donated to the Monticello Railroad Muesum. The only Information I need to present the muesum with is the Historical Information on the units. The links to the Pictures of the units are below and any and all information needed. I be be presenting the information 2/28/2011. Thanks
http://parysystem.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=1911525
http://parysystem.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2400849
One way to acquire equipment for a rail museum is to collect anything and everything that looks like it might be available. All too often the result is a field full of derelict oddities, items with no relevance to the local area, and no coherent themes.
The more professional method is to first decide what the focus of the museum should be, and then identify items that would be needed to present the story. A potential donor will be more receptive to a request when he can see how it will fill a hole in a museum's collection.
Although most of us are amateurs, that does not mean we should act amateurishly. The reality is that the only way to gain credibility with industry, government, foundations and the general public is to be as professional as possible. Otherwise the museum is doomed to failure in the long term, as has happened in several cases already. The better ones realize the limitations in how much they can handle, and a number have downsized by de-accessing unneeded items. The result is better care for the important ones that remain and a better experience for visitors. If you are not already regularly involved in volunteer work at the railroad museum I suggest you pitch in and get a better understanding of the day to day challenges to be dealt with.
While I applaud your enthusiasm, if you don't know much about the two engines I am unsure why you think that particular pair deserve preservation. To use an old analogy you are putting the cart before the horse.
John
The main reason Me and other 5 other railroaders want these to pieces for muesum is The ICG SW14B would add to there IC and GMO Collection.
The ICG engine looks like it may have been a slug. If so, it was probably modified at the Paducah Shops in Kentucky.
The Illinois Central Historical Society may have information about the engine if you can determine the road number that was assigned to it, and the salvage yard should know the road number.
http://icrrhistorical.org/
(the source of that info ought to be the records kept by Extra2200South ....find somebody that has a complete library collection and start flippin through there first....get the frame # and builders serial # if you can - these are both EMD, so the frame numbers are there, wouldn't be surprised if the builder's plate has been removed by the sub-railfan vermin.)
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