Chicago Transit Authority 52 is an articulated, aluminum-bodied three-car PCC type ‘L’ train. Designed by Chicago Rapid Transit just prior to the advent of the CTA, it was part of the 5000-series before it was renumbered. Only four of these cars were built for Chicago but they saw limited success

Chicago Transit Authority 2244 is a stainless steel-bodied ‘L’ car built as part of the 2200-series of “high performance” elevated cars. The 2200s were built for service on the then-new Dan Ryan line, now the south end of the Red Line, but in later years were usually used on the

SEPTA 55 is a heavyweight steel subway car from the Broad Street Subway line in Philadelphia. It was built to a much wider and longer design than Chicago ‘L’ cars owing to more generous clearances on the BSS line. It is the only example of the original fleet of cars

Chicago Transit Authority 2433 is a stainless steel-bodied ‘L’ car built as part of the 2400-series of “high performance” elevated cars. The 2400s were the only rapid transit cars built by Boeing-Vertol, a division of airplane maker Boeing. Car 2433 is permanently coupled to identical car 2434 to form a

Northwestern Elevated Railroad 24 is the oldest operating Chicago ‘L’ car and the oldest preserved ‘L’ car at IRM. Car 24 is a “gate car,” built with open platforms with gates rather than enclosed ends with doors. It also has longitudinal seating, known as a “bowling alley” arrangement. It was

Chicago Transit Authority 2434 is a stainless steel-bodied ‘L’ car built as part of the 2400-series of “high performance” elevated cars. The 2400s were the only rapid transit cars built by Boeing-Vertol, a division of airplane maker Boeing. Car 2434 is permanently coupled to identical car 2433 to form “married

Illinois Central 1198 is the only preserved motor car from the original electrification of the Illinois Central commuter line, today known as Metra Electric. When new, it replaced aged steam locomotives on the suburban line south of Chicago and was always coupled to an unpowered trailer car to create a

Chicago Rapid Transit 2872 is a wood-bodied ‘L’ car built for the Metropolitan-West Side Elevated, a predecessor to CRT. It is one of only two cars from the “Met” preserved and is an example of the most modern cars that the MWSE operated. FUN FACT: This car would have carried

Chicago Rapid Transit 1268 is a wood-bodied ‘L’ car built for the Northwestern Elevated Railroad, a predecessor to CRT. It is the only preserved wooden trailer from the Chicago elevated system and is designed to be hauled by one or more motorized ‘L’ cars. Builder: American Car & Foundry Company

Illinois Central 1380 is an unpowered trailer and part of the only preserved motor-trailer set from the original electrification of the Illinois Central commuter line, today known as Metra Electric. When new, it replaced aged steam locomotives on the suburban line south of Chicago and was always coupled to self-propelled