Equipment Information

Chicago Transit Authority 4146 is the oldest steel-bodied Chicago ‘L’ car preserved in complete condition. It was one of the earliest motorized 4000-series ‘L’ cars built for the Chicago elevated system and ran for more than 55 years. It was designed with three doors on each side and an unadorned steel roof that led to this type being nicknamed “Baldies.”

Chicago Transit Authority 4146 Details

Builder: Cincinnati Car Company
Year Built: 1915
Seats: 52
Length: 48ft 6in
Width: 8ft 8in
Height: 12ft 4in
Weight: 70000 lbs
Brakes: AMU
Motors: 2 GE 243B
Control: ABLFM-36C
Compressor: D3-F
Trucks: Bald MCB
Description: Double End / Double Truck / Arch Roof / Steel
Arrived: 1972
Condition: Complete / undergoing restoration / operational

Photo gallery

CTA 4146 Ownership History

1915-1924 – Chicago Elevated Railway
1924-1947 – Chicago Rapid Transit
1947-1972 – Chicago Transit Authority
1972-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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