Equipment Information

Illinois Terminal 277 is the only interurban combine from that railroad preserved in operating condition. It was designed to be able to haul several trailers over long distances between St. Louis, Decatur, Bloomington, Peoria, and other cities in Illinois. Cars like this were often used to pull trains of coaches, sleeping cars, and parlor cars. Car 277 was used until the IT abandoned long-distance passenger service in 1956 and it has been restored to its appearance in the late 1940s.

FUN FACT: Your obscure word for the day is “antimacassar.” That’s what the white cloths on the backs of all the seats in car 277 are called. In the 19th and early 20th century, Macassar oil was a commonly used hair oil, but it tended to stain and discolor seatbacks where people rested their heads. The solution was the antimacassar, a piece of white cloth that could easily be removed and washed. Car 277 was fitted with antimacassars until quite late in its career, usually printed or embroidered with the railroad’s name.

Illinois Terminal 277 Details

Builder: St. Louis Car Company
Year Built: 1913
Seats: 43
Length: 55ft 10in
Width: 9ft 8in
Height: 13ft
Weight: 107170 lbs
Brakes: U-12
Motors: 4 GE 222G
Control: M-C101A
Compressor: 2 D2-EG
Trucks: StL 62
Description: Single End / Double Truck / Arch Roof / Combine
Arrived: 1956
Condition: Complete / restored / operational

Photo gallery

IT 277 Ownership History

1913-1928 – Illinois Traction System #277
1928-1956 – Illinois Terminal #277
1956-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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