Equipment Information

North Shore Line 251 is a combination passenger-baggage car built for high-speed service between Chicago and Milwaukee. Following a wreck it was put through the railroad’s “Silverliner” modernization program, which included upgraded seating and a faux-stainless-steel paint job, the only combine on the railroad to be modernized. It has been completely restored by IRM volunteers to its appearance in the early 1950s.

FUN FACT: Car 251 racked up more miles than perhaps any other North Shore Line car. Company records indicate it operated more than two million miles in service during its career. That’s enough to go from the Earth to the moon and back – twice!

Builder: Jewett Car Company
Year Built: 1917
Seats: 24
Length: 56ft 1in
Width: 8ft 8in
Height: 12ft 6in
Weight: 91000 lbs
Brakes: AMU
Motors: 4 WH 557A5
Control: HLF-28A
Compressor: CP-28
Trucks: Bald 84-30A
Description: Double End / Double Truck / Arch Roof / Steel Combine
Arrived: 1963
Condition: Complete / restored / operational

Photo gallery

Ownership History
1917-1963 – Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee
1963-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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