http://tracks.lionel.com/chicago-celebrates-its-heritage-on-the-rails/
CHICAGO CELEBRATES ITS HERITAGE ON THE RAILS
Vintage cars will return to the CTA fleet
Have you wondered what it was like to ride the rails in Chicago during the 1940s or 1970s? You could have a chance thanks to the introduction of the Heritage Fleet by the Chicago Transit Authority.
Much like the Metropolitan Transit Authority does for the opening day games of the New York Yankees and New York Mets, the CTA has found a reason to conjure up some nostalgia and wheel out historic trains.
In an effort to preserve and celebrate its history of more than 100 years, the CTA will use vintage rail cars and buses for charters and public events. Dates for the incorporation of the cars into the fleet will be announced later this year.
“The CTA has a very rich history, one that has contributed greatly to the growth of Chicago as one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” CTA president Dorval R. Carter said. “The Heritage Fleet will allow the CTA and its customers to celebrate and appreciate that history in a real, tangible way.”
The Heritage Fleet will consist of two 1923 4000-series rail cars featuring the orange and brown paint scheme they had in the 1940s. The cars will also have reproduced ads from that era.
There will be an eight-car 2400-series train produced from 1976-1978 featuring restored red, white and blue exterior markings.
Three buses from the 1960s will also be used.
The CTA hopes to add more to the Heritage Fleet in the future while preserving its history.
Repair and maintenance of the vehicles will be done through volunteer work by employees, retirees and industry experts.
The CTA operates more than 3,300 rail cars and buses providing transportation to an estimated 1.6 million people daily.
