Mainline Model Railroad Products

“For Illinois, this is not another corporate transaction. It is a major transportation development with significant economic implications for our state,” writes Jaime di Paulo.

Southern Railway No. 401 Returns to Service This Weekend!

We’re excited to announce that Southern Railway No. 401 has successfully passed its annual federal inspection and will be back in service on May 30th and 31st at the Monticello Railway Museum!

Following repairs to its dry pipe and extensive testing, No. 401 is once again ready to haul passengers through the Central Illinois countryside. This weekend will also mark a special milestone as the locomotive fills its tender from the museum’s water tank for the first time since the tank was built. Be one of the first to witness this historic moment in action.

A huge thank you goes out to our hard-working volunteers whose countless hours and dedication made this possible. Their passion and commitment continue to keep steam railroading alive in Central Illinois.

Even better, kids ride free this weekend with the purchase of an adult ticket, making this the perfect family outing to experience steam railroading in action.

Also, due to No. 401 returning to service, our new Lunch on the Diner experience on May 30th will now feature steam power! Enjoy a relaxing lunch aboard one of our historic dining cars while riding behind Southern Railway No. 401 through the Central Illinois countryside.

Don’t miss your chance to ride behind Southern Railway No. 401 during Steam Weekend excursions. Book your tickets now at mrym.org and experience the sights, sounds, and smell of steam railroading in action.

Sorry folks... got to do my real job this afternoon! See you tomorrow!

Bolay's Hobbies on the southeast corner of Lincoln Square, was founded by Eiver Bolay. There was something for everybody at Bolay's.

Neighboring businesses included Enloe's Pharmacy and Merriss Brothers Fish Market.

Photo: unknown origin and date

Heads up! The store will have "Summer Hours" between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The store will be CLOSED on Sundays between these two holidays. Starting May 31 and continuing until August 30, the store will be closed every Sunday. Normal hours will return on Sunday, September 6, 2026.