Maintenance of way
QUEBEC CENTRAL 40065
Built: 1918
Builder: Russel
Type: Snow Plow
Status: Display
This snow plow car is pushed by a locomotive to clear the tracks of snow. It has operable wings that extend outwards, pushing snow further from the tracks. In 1978, this car saw use on the Illinois Terminal Railroad in central Illinois after a heavy snowstorm. Recently restored, it is now on static display.
Bates & Rogers 11442
Built: 1944
Builder: Industrial Brownhoist
Type: Crane
Status: Operational
This steam powered crane was built for the Bates & Rogers Construction Company towards the end of World War II. Oil fired, it has a lifting capacity of up to 30 tons and can move under its own power. It is currently used at the museum for heavy lifting jobs.
Chicago & Illinois Midland X32 and X83
Built: 1927
Builder: Industrial Brownhoist
Type: Crane and Boom Car
Status: In storage; awaiting restoration
Chicago & Illinois Midland (C&IM) crane X32 was used for decades on the C&IM to clean up derailments. Occasionally, it was borrowed by other railroads for wreck cleanup assistance as well. Boom car X83 accompanies the crane as a place for the boom of the crane to rest. Both cars are currently in storage awaiting restoration.
Illinois Central Spreader X9151
Built: 1929
Builder: Jordan
Type: Jordan Spreader
Status: Display
This unique, but very versatile piece of equipment was pushed by a locomotive that also supplied air for its controls. Its large wings spread out to clean and regulate ditches, ballast, and even plow snow.
Illinois Central X238 and X4352
Built: Unknown
Builder: Illinois Central Railroad
Type: Pile Driver and Tender
Status: Display
This flatcar-mounted steam crane carried a pile driver attachment. The 238 is coal fired and capable of moving under its own power. Primarily used for driving piles for bridge construction. this particular crane is believed to have worked on the line now owned by the museum. Tender X4352 accompanies the crane.
Illinois Central X2000
Built: 1944
Builder: Unknown
Type: Flatcar
Status: Display
Used to carry materials and pile driver equipment, this car provides a place to rest the boom of pile driver X238.
Illinois Central X1957
Built: 1925
Builder: Illinois Central Railroad
Type: Tool Car
Status: Display
Modified from an automobile boxcar in the mid-1920s, No. 1957 was used to store and transport tools, parts, and other track materials to work sites. This car is believed to have been primarily used with bridge gangs.
Norfolk & Western 527103
Built: Unknown
Builder: Norfolk & Western Railway
Type: Bunk Car
Status: Display
Norfolk & Western No. 527103 was built out of a retired boxcar. It was used by track gangs who stayed out on the line overnight. It contained bunks, a stove, a sink, and additional room for tools and other materials.
Track crane “Bruno”
Built: Unknown
Builder: Geismar/Donelli
Type: Track Crane
Status: Operational
One of the most useful and versatile pieces of equipment owned and operated by the museum, this crane is used for everyday track and tie work. It can even go on the road by raising up its steel wheels and running on rubber tires.
Motor carS
Illinois terminal A33
Built: Unknown
Builder: Fairmont
Type: A3
Status: Stored
This motorcar is among the smaller gang car models used to transport track gangs to and from the work site. It was used by museum volunteers to maintain the trackage for many years before being stored needing repairs to the motor. This motorcar was assigned to the Bridge & Building Gang at McKinley Junction in Madison, Illinois.
Illinois Terminal A52
Built: Unknown
Builder: Fairmont
Type: A5
Status: Operational
This motorcar is one of two actively used to maintain the museum’s track by our volunteers. It is a larger gang car model, and features an enclosed cabin constructed by the Illinois Terminal Railroad. This motorcar was originally assigned to a Maintenance of Way Gang based in Decatur, IL.
Illinois Central F9151
Built: Unknown
Builder: Fairmont
Type: Motorcar
Status: Operational
This motorcar is one of two actively used to maintain the museum’s track by our volunteers. It features a partially enclosed cab.
Casey jones
Builder: Northwestern Motor Company
This unique motorcar is powered by a Ford Model T engine and transmission. It is one of only two of this type of car known to exist today.
Gang Car
Builder: Fairmont
This Fairmont gang car is stored in the museum’s Rankin motorcar building.
Norfolk & Western 65550
Builder: Fairmont
This motorcar is privately owned by a museum volunteer and is stored in the Rankin motorcar building.
Norfolk & Western 14259
Builder: Fairmont
This self-propelled machine is used by volunteers to mow and spray for weeds along the museum’s railroad.
Hand Pump Car
Builder: Monticello Railway Museum
This car is propelled by the riders pumping the handles to move the wheels.