The Illinois Railway Museum inherited a Model Railroad a few years back and now needs help getting funds to have a building for it. Funds can be mailed to them or check the links below. There is plenty of info there I hope we can make this happen with all the members help on here.

http://www2.irm.org/blogs/archives/1756-Model-Railway-Display-Building.html

I have 50+ of these from a yard sale. I know similar things are used on semi trailers to to show that they have not been opened before delivery. What would the UP have called them and what is/was the use? On TOFC trailers, on containers, on other rolling stock? Could even be on switchstands etc., I suppose. any ideas or info.?

Bored with the same old coal or stone loads in your hopper cars? Try this:

5th photo in:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/12/opinions/cnnphotos-sutter-mauritania-train/index.html

Charles

For the past several years I've been enjoying the work of Frank Grizel, a very talented eastern Iowa photographer and painter.  Last February I contacted Frank about commissioning a painting for the entry into my layout room, and this week he finished it.  The painting depicts three of my favorite IAIS locomotives - SD38-2 2809, GP7M 400, and GP38-2 709 - leading a westbound grain extra over the High Bridge on the east edge of Council Bluffs.