Equipment Information

Chicago Transit Authority 2153 is an aluminum-bodied ‘L’ car that was among the first of the so-called “high performance” cars that were built for the CTA between the 1960s and 1990s. This type, known as 2000s, were the first air-conditioned ‘L’ cars in Chicago and were fitted with distinctively formed Fiberglas ends. It is permanently coupled to identical car 2154 to form the only preserved set of 2000s.

FUN FACT: As the first air-conditioned ‘L’ cars in Chicago, the 2000s had some teething troubles. They were notorious for their air-conditioner drain pans, located in the car ceilings. If the drain were plugged the water would slosh out on curves, drenching any passenger standing below it!

Builder: Pullman-Standard
Year Built: 1964
Seats: 47
Length: 48ft
Width: 9ft 4in
Height: 11ft 10in
Weight: 47400 lbs
Brakes: All Electric
Motors: 4 GE 1250K1
Control: SCM-B2C
Trucks: CTA-1
Description: Single End / Double Truck / Arch Roof
Arrived: 1993
Condition: Complete / restored / operational

Read more about the history of this car in Rail & Wire #225

Photo gallery

Ownership History
1964-1993 – Chicago Transit Authority
1993-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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