Chicago South Shore and South Bend #6
Type: Steel Interurban Car
Built - 1926, Pullman Car Co. Seats - 52 Length – 60’ 0” Width – 10’ 1” Height – 13’ 5” |
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During the early 1900s, there were thousands of miles of electric interurban railroads which sprawled across America, primarily in the upper and central midwest. The Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad operated fast interurbans and commuter runs every day between downtown Chicago at Randolph Street Station to South Bend, Indiana.
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The CSS&SB, often known as the “South Shore Line,” was an interurban railroad that served the beaches and towns between downtown Chicago and South Bend, Indiana. The company was responsible for moving thousands of people every day: mostly commuters, but also tourists headed for the sand dunes and football games at Notre Dame.
The South Shore Line originally operated with wooden cars bought and used by predecessor lines. By 1926, the electric utilities magnate Samuel Insull had taken over the company and all-new steel coahes and combine cars were built by the Pullman Car Company. These cars were faster and more modern, improving the reliability and operational efficiency of the company. One of these cars was numbered 6, which was built that year. |
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Car 6 was never lengthened or modernized during World War II, only receiving new interior paint. When the South Shore retired the car in 1983, the National Park Service preserved the car due to its historical significance to the area. However, the NPS ended up donating 6 and four other CSS&SB cars to the East Troy Railroad Museum. ETRM currently has plans to restore the car to operating condition, and funding for the project has already begun.
Car 6 Ownership History:
Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railway #6 - 1926-1983
National Park Service - 1984-2010
East Troy Railroad Museum - 2010-Present
Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railway #6 - 1926-1983
National Park Service - 1984-2010
East Troy Railroad Museum - 2010-Present
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| Car 6 Fun Facts |