Rapid Transit Cars

Bombardier 1978 Metra 1637
Bombardier 1978
Metra 1637
Description:Arch-roof steel bi-level commuter

Equipment Information

Metra 1637 is a “Highliner” two-level electric commuter car built for use on the Illinois Central commuter line south of Chicago, today known as Metra Electric. It was part of the second order for “Highliners” and permitted the retirement of the last of the original 1920s electric cars like 1198 and 1380, also preserved at IRM.

Builder: Bombardier
Year Built: 1978
Seats: 150
Length: 85ft
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 15ft 10in
Weight: 140000 lbs
Brakes: PS68
Motors: 4 GE 1258A1
Control: GE CM
Trucks: GSI
Description: Single End / Double Truck / Double Deck Highliner
Arrived: 2015
Condition: Complete / unrestored / operational

Photo gallery

Ownership History
1978-1987 – Illinois Central Gulf
1987-2015 – Metra
2015-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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