Chicago Rapid Transit Company #4453
Type: Rapid Transit Car
Built - 1924, Cincinnati Car Co. Seats - 52 Length – 48’ 6” Width – 8’ 11” Height – 13’ 3” Weight – 76,800 lbs. |
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Every day since the 1890s, the Chicago “L” (short for “elevated”) rapid transit system has transported thousands of people each day to their workplaces and stores. The first “L” lines were laid in 1892, with three other companies soon after laying their own tracks and electrifying them.
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In 1924, the famous electric utilities magnate Samuel Insull took control of the various “L” lines, forming the Chicago Rapid Transit Company (CRT), which he owned. The “L” lines had previously operated with old wooden cars incapable of higher speeds. In turn, Insull ordered over new all-steel 4000-series interurban rapid transit cars from the Cincinnati Car Company. These cars were able to operate in the new subways that would soon be under construction, relieving congestion on the central loop of trackage over the downtown area. They were also equipped with both third rail shoes (for elevated trackage) and trolley poles, which allowed them to operate on both outlying CRT and interurban lines.
The Chicago Rapid Transit 4000-series cars have interesting interiors with old-time light fixtures, walkover velour seats and "bowling alley" seating at the ends. They help demonstrate both the interiors typical of the height of the interurban era, and the exterior of the coming state-of-the-art steel cars. Being high-level-loading cars, they have no steps and must load at either of the railroad’s two high-level platforms or at a special stairset. They feature early automatic acceleration technology, with controller points for switching, series, parallel, and field shunt, without the resistance points of the older cars, a precursor of the PCC control scheme to come in the Thirties. The cars served the CRT until the company was taken over by the government-owned Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA ordered new cars, which were delivered throughout the early 1950s. In the 1960s, the first cars with air conditioning (the 2000-series) arrived on the CTA lines. The 4000s were modernized in the early 1950s to keep up with the rapid improvements in technology. The cars received new paint and lights and gained new door mechanisms. However, this was not enough to keep them in service. With more new cars on the way, the last of the 4000s were taken out of passenger service on November 8, 1973. Car 4453 was one of ten 4000s kept in service after November 1973. It was assigned to a reserve fleet of cars in case of an increase in ridership due to gas shortages. However, the cars were never needed and were only occasionally used in maintenance service, occasionally with other former 4000s. A crash at Loyola caused the last of these cars to be retired in the late 1970s. |
These 4000-series cars on the Lake Street "L" line are in the later 1950s paint scheme. Picture taken August 14, 1962 (Roger Puta photo).
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Car 4453 was received by the Indiana Transportation Museum, but was later sold to the East Troy Railroad Museum, which could operate the car. Today, the car continues to operate regularly at ETRM, often with two other fully restored and operable 4000s (nos. 4420 and 4439).
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 first operation in the shop was on April 15th, 2000, and the first mainline operational test run was the next day. It performed flawlessly in both single and in multiple-unit operation. Today, the car continues to operate regularly at ETRM, often with two other fully restored and operable 4000s (nos. 4420 and 4439).
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 first operation in the shop was on April 15th, 2000, and the first mainline operational test run was the next day. It performed flawlessly in both single and in multiple-unit operation. Today, the car continues to operate regularly at ETRM, often with two other fully restored and operable 4000s (nos. 4420 and 4439).
Car 4453 Ownership History:
Chicago Rapid Transit Company #4453 - 1924-1947
Chicago Transit Authority #4453 - 1947-1979
Indiana Transportation Museum - 1979-1995
East Troy Electric Railroad - 1995-Present
Chicago Rapid Transit Company #4453 - 1924-1947
Chicago Transit Authority #4453 - 1947-1979
Indiana Transportation Museum - 1979-1995
East Troy Electric Railroad - 1995-Present
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