Rusty Traque posted:645 posted:
An organization such as IRM (Illinois Railway Museum) is in the best position these days to operate equipment as they own the land, buildings, equipment and demonstration railroad. There is nothing like having full control over everything. No, IRM is not perfect but they do very well with what they have and keep making improvements to the place.
Not only do they own the right of way and museum campus, but have been buying adjacent "buffer" properties to prevent suburbia from encroaching and complaining about the noise.
These quiet zones going up are a load of crap for multiple reasons. First, the railroad was there WAY before the residents were there, and it takes them to work in some cases. Also, they didn't have to build right next to a 3-track main and suddenly say: "It's so noisy here! We need to send a complaint." Quiet zones are dangerous too. There have been many cases of people crossing the tracks at commuter stations and getting hit because they don't hear the train. But they should still be paying attention.
Rusty
I would love to see 765 run to IRM from Chicago. The museum grounds are adequate for an excursion, with enough space for photo runbys, an even surface for passengers to unload, a place to turn 765 around, and enough entertainment for passengers. I don't know if 765 will fit under the wires though, or if UP will let them run on their tracks.
