South Elgin museum to refurbish 100-year-old locomotive
The only electric-powered locomotive at the Fox Valley Trolley Museum turns 100 this year.
But instead of a cake or party, museum officials have embarked on a project to rebuild and restore the four motors in the engine of the L-202.
Also known as a "Steeple Cab Locomotive," it is fired up about once a week to pull a caboose.
But only two of the four motors that make up the engine are functional.
The L-202 moves, but it's working the motors and other equipment harder than museum officials would like.
"The motors are quite ancient," said Don MacBean, museum member and newsletter editor. "We've been operating with two motors, which is not something we want to do. We don't use it every day, obviously. It's just used to pull a caboose."
Museum President Edward Konecki said the restoration is important for two reasons.
The site once connected Carpentersville, Elgin, Aurora, and Yorkville, and the L-202 adds to that rich history.
"The technology that went into this is the pioneering technology that allows us (today) to have locomotives with almost 5,000 horsepower," he said.
The L-202 was built in 1908 by Chicago City Railways, the predecessor to the Chicago Transit Authority.
The CTA rebuilt it in 1958 and it was used in switching service at CTA shops and material handling yards.
The second reason for working on the L-202 is simply that it's due.
"It's a very charming artifact," Konecki said. "It's been in the Chicago area for 100 years. It's time for a makeover."
The makeover will require money: at least $17,000 to fix two motors and up to $25,000 for all four.
"We're definitely going to do two (motors). If we have enough money, we'll do all of them," said Ralph Taylor, museum member and project manager.
So far, the museum has raised more than $5,700 through donations from members and residents through word-of-mouth.
The project also will take some manpower and muscle.
After the TrolleyFest in August, museum members must jack up the multi-ton locomotive and pull out the motors.
Then, the motors will be loaded on to a flatbed truck for transportation to a Wisconsin firm.
But, according to Taylor, the museum members have this one covered.
About four years ago, they worked on a 45-ton diesel locomotive.
"The museum has done work like this before," Taylor said. "It's nothing new to us. It's just a lot of work."
How to help
What: The Fox Valley Trolley Museum hopes to rebuild and restore the four motors on the L-202, a 100-year-old electric-powered locomotive.
When: The group hopes to remove the motors in September or October to transport them to Wisconsin.
How: Tax-deductible donations may be sent to the Fox River Trolley Museum, 361 S. LaFox St., South Elgin, 60177. The organization will mail you a receipt.
Who: Call (847) 697-4676 for more information.