Word has arrived that the Chicago Transit Authority, which in 2015 set aside eight 2400-series 'L' cars built by Boeing-Vertol for their historic collection, has downsized a bit. Cars 2543 and 2544, shown above back in 2017, are being sent to scrap. This isn't too much of a loss; the CTA still has three pairs of these cars, all repainted in c1978 red/white/blue livery. They've even been slowly backdating 2455-2456 to original, or at least more original, condition, including conductor's positions. There's also a pair preserved at IRM and several pairs evidently still in work service on the CTA. The CTA heritage fleet, which for many years was frozen at only two 1920s 4000-series cars, now stands at 14 cars, including the two 4000s, four 1950s-era 6000s, two 1960s-era 2200s, and six 2400s.
CCPA
ReplyDeleteThe CTA kept a pair of 2200s??? I thought the pair at IRM was it for preservation, besides one or two random cars used as restaurants, etc.
ReplyDeleteAs I understand it, the CTA decided to start expanding their historic fleet (beyond the two 4000s) around the end of 2013, only months after the 2200 fleet went to scrap. At that point the only 2200s left on the property were a pair converted into a locker room at 61st Street Yard, so that pair was brought to Skokie for preservation. They've had significant modifications, though, so it will take some work to restore them to in-service condition.
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