Equipment Information

Metra 7658 is a bi-level coach designed for commuter service out of Chicago. It is known as a “gallery car” because the upper level is divided, with a gap (or “gallery”) down the middle of the car to enable the conductor to collect fares from both levels while standing on the main or lower level. This car is from the second order for bi-level cars placed by the C&NW.

After retiring car 7658 in 1999, Metra sold it to Virginia Railway Express (VRE). On VRE, it operated from Washington, DC, to Fredericksburg and Manassas, Virginia, for roughly a decade. VRE conveyed the car back to Metra in 2014 and IRM acquired it in 2019.

Metra 7658 Details

Builder: Pullman-Standard
Year Built: 1956
Seats: 161
Length: 85ft
Width: 10ft 6in
Height: 15ft 10in
Weight: 128000 lbs
Description: Bi-level Commuter Coach / ex C&NW 25 / ex VRE V430
Arrived: 2019
Condition: Incomplete / unrestored / operational

Ownership History

1956-1974 – Chicago & North Western #25
1974-1983 – Regional Transit Authority #7658
1983-2001 – Metra #7658
2001-2014 – Virginia Railway Express #V430
2014-2019 – Metra #7658
2019-present – Illinois Railway Museum, Union, IL

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