Equipment Information

Chicago Surface Lines 9020 is the only surviving streetcar trailer from Chicago. Between the early 1920s and the Great Depression, some rush hour service on the Chicago streetcar system was provided by two-car trains with a standard streetcar towing an unpowered trailer like car 9020. With falling ridership in 1930, trailers became unnecessary and all were retired. Car 9020 survived as a storeroom until acquired by IRM in 1970. It is largely complete but cannot be used because no streetcars from Chicago were preserved that were equipped for towing trailers.

Chicago Surface Lines 9020 Details

Builder: J.G. Brill Car Company
Year Built: 1921
Seats: 62
Length: 47ft 6in
Width: 8ft 6in
Height: 10ft 9in
Weight: 25500 lbs
Brakes: Straight Air
Trucks: Brill 67F
Description: Double End / Double Truck / Arch Roof / Trailer
Arrived: 1970
Condition: Incomplete / unrestored / not operational

Read more about the history of this car in Rail & Wire #272

Photo gallery

CSL 9020 Ownership History

1921-1947 – Chicago Surface Lines
1947-1970 – Chicago Transit Authority
1970-1973 – Electric Railway Historical Society, Downers Grove, IL
1973-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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