East Troy Electric Railroad Museum

Chicago Elevated Car 4453

Former Chicago Elevated Lines 4453 is a heavy rapid transit car built by Cincinnati Car Company in 1924. It is virtually identical to the previously-restored 4420 the East Troy line operates. 4453 has undergone a thorough refurbishment in the East Troy Shop. The process included:

• The roof was cleaned off and recovered with new canvas after repairs to the wood substrate.
• Trolley boards and poles were installed, as original. (The 4000's lost their poles in the 1970's as the Evanston line became all third rail.)
• The interior was removed to allow floor reconstruction.
• New sections of frame were spliced in at the ends under the doors.
• New metal was welded onto the sheathing to repair rust holes.
• The orange window band paint was applied.
• Windows were repaired with old sashes being removed and the painstaking process of reglazing completed.
• The original ceiling light fixtures have been meticulously restored and installed.
• A new wooden subfloor was laid, and then a new maple finish floor was installed.
• Insulation was replaced in the walls prior to the installation of the paneling.
• Electric heaters were fitted, so that this unit will be able to offer passenger comfort in the colder months.
• The entire airbrake system was checked, with much of the piping being replaced.
• The unit switches (traction motor switches) were removed, refurbished, and reinstalled.
• Exterior painting was completed.
• The ceiling was completely restored.
• The side doors had their original full-size windows restored.
• Seat parts were recovered with new plush fabric and were reinstalled.

The introduction of this car to regular passenger service was eagerly awaited.  It is normally paired with its sister 4420 for a striking-looking multiple-unit set able to handle close to one hundred riders.  The extensive use of wood in the interiors of these cars make for a vintage feel, much like the interurbans of its era.  Additionally, with their relatively high weight (38 tons) they ride well out on the open line.  Their large windows and airy vestibules offer a pleasant experience for patrons getting their first taste of vintage electrics.

The work on this car has been aided by grants from a private foundation totaling $25,000, which has been used to purchase materials for the refurbishment.

The first operation in the shop was on April 15th, 2000, and the first mainline operational test run was the next day.   It performed flawlessly both singly and in multiple-unit with 4420.

4453 was ready for service in time for the Train to the Trolleys trip sponsored by the 20th Century Railroad Club on May 6 and 7th, 2000.  As expected, operation was faultless and hundreds of Chicagoans enjoyed the line from the "4000 train."