Equipment Information

C&NW 151 is a bi-level coach/cab car designed for commuter service out of Chicago. It is a “cab car” because there is a cab on the upper level for the engineer from which he can run the train. Car 151 was the very first bi-level cab car ever put into service, with the C&NW inaugurating “push-pull” commuter operation where the locomotive could provide motive power from either the front of the train or – with a cab car like 151 leading – from the back. Cab cars like 151 are now used by almost every commuter railroad in the United States.

FUN FACT: Car 151 was featured in a 2013 episode of the TV show “Chicago Fire” in which the script called for a railroad derailment. Car 151 was (gently) lifted off the tracks by a crane, a faux accident scene was constructed around it along the IRM streetcar line, and voila – instant train wreck!

Builder: Pullman/Pullman-Standard
Year Built: 1959
Seats: 155
Length: 85ft
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 15ft 10in
Weight: 127900 lbs
Brakes: 26C
Trucks: CXV1
Description: ex NIRC 8700 / First CNW Cab Car
Arrived: 1998
Condition: Complete / cosmetically restored / operational

Read more about the history of this car in Rail & Wire #179

Photo gallery

Click to return to Passenger Car roster
Click to return to main roster page