Equipment Information

Chicago Surface Lines 2843 is the only streetcar of its type preserved. It was part of a class of only five cars, the only Jewett-built streetcars run by the Chicago Surface Lines, and was mainly used on lightly-traveled lines on Chicago’s south side. It was also used in operation over the state line to East Chicago, Indiana. The car was converted to a salt spreader in the 1940s and was saved for preservation in the late 1950s. It is displayed intact, except for its seats which were removed in the 1940s, but unrestored.

Chicago Surface Lines 2843 Details

Builder: Jewett Car Company
Year Built: 1903
Seats: 44
Length: 42ft 3in
Width: 8ft
Height: 12ft 2in
Weight: 51300 lbs
Brakes: Straight Air
Motors: 4 GE 80A
Control: K28
Compressor: A4
Trucks: Taylor
Description: Double End / Double Truck / Deck Roof / Wood
Arrived: 1973
Condition: Complete / unrestored / not operational

Read more about the history of this car in Rail & Wire #252

Photo gallery

CSL 2843 Ownership History

1903-1908 – South Chicago City Railway #323
1908-1914 – Calumet & South Chicago #828
1914-1947 – Chicago Surface Lines
1947-1958 – Chicago Transit Authority #AA95
1958-1973 – Electric Railway Historical Society, Downers Grove, IL
1973-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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