CTA 75th Anniversary Celebration (with heritage trains and buses)

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  • Опубликовано: 10 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 161

  • @dexteralexander2437
    @dexteralexander2437 2 года назад +27

    Among the several laudable components of your excellent videos is the history you give us. The research must add hours of unseen effort to your finished product. It is greatly appreciated. In this video, the graphics showing the development, waning, and resurgence of Chicago’s transit system over time were especially illustrative. Thanks to you and Lindsey for an informative and enjoyable documentary series.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +3

      Thank you! Yes, I may have gone a little bit overboard with the preparations for this one 😂 but I’ve been excited about this event for a really long time! I’m glad you appreciated the video! My apologies for it reminding you of your age, lol

    • @dexteralexander2437
      @dexteralexander2437 2 года назад +1

      @@Thom-TRA You didn’t go overboard. The history and graphics were a necessary part of the project. So far as age, it pleased me to see several cars older than me and still going! 😎

  • @EddieLeindecker-re1hg
    @EddieLeindecker-re1hg 10 месяцев назад +4

    Wow, those old flexible buses look really really cool compared to what we have today

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  10 месяцев назад +1

      I LOVE the old buses

  • @tonyjovanovic841
    @tonyjovanovic841 2 месяца назад

    The ole' Green Limousine.....That was our local nickname for those buses!

  • @NovaVortex193
    @NovaVortex193 5 месяцев назад +1

    Something about these narrow little trains are so much more charming then cars. They almost look "cute"

  • @Danielbulldog
    @Danielbulldog 3 месяца назад +2

    I remember the 6000 series and green limousine buses in the 70’s and 80’s growing up and exploring the city with my brother

  • @dominicwroblewski5832
    @dominicwroblewski5832 Год назад +1

    Those busses remind me of high school and riding "the green limousine ".

  • @plymouthlad38
    @plymouthlad38 Год назад +8

    Interesting to hear Charles Yerkes being mentioned. I watch a lot of London Underground / Tube history videos (especially by Jago Hazzard) and Yerkes gets mentioned a lot as he played a major part in the development of the transit system in London around 1900 after his time in Chicago.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      Yep, this Yerkes guy had his hand in a lot of different businesses. And they all somehow ended up making him a lot of money…

  • @jessedeleon1928
    @jessedeleon1928 Год назад +2

    I love your segment. I'm from LA. I've seen has best public transit in the nation!

  • @Guard_Amos
    @Guard_Amos 2 года назад +5

    A very enjoyable video. Over here in the UK. We tend to find that the older buses, trains, trams and even underground trains in London are a lot comfier and sound a lot better than those that come after them. Modern day transport is all about doing a job rather than comfort and looks. We used to have buses where the engine was at the front and passengers boarded onto an open platform at the back. But, everything changed. The door went to the front and the engine went to the back. On heritage days. The majority of people will sit near the back of the bus. Purely to be as close to the engine as possible

  • @RailpaxScott
    @RailpaxScott Год назад +1

    Another outstanding video! The GMC Newlook buses in my opinion were the best buses ever made in the United States. I am biased though, as I drove them for several years in the 1980's. To this day, that was my favorite job! I miss the Newlooks. They were indeed more comfortable, more passenger viewing, and the sound of those Detroit engines thrill everytime. Thanks for such a wonderful video!

  • @valtrus901
    @valtrus901 5 месяцев назад +1

    I am old enough to remember the 301 bus at 29:38. When they were fist introduced the general public was very satisfied. Smiles on peoples faces were the norm. Fast, comfortable and quiet. The best bus the CTA ever had...

  • @zovarising
    @zovarising 2 года назад +3

    It’s a bit sad that the CTA chose not to showcase the 2200 series railcars. Those were always interesting to me. As a kid, I didn’t like their accordion-style doors, but now I miss them. Thank you for making this video! I feel like I was there!

  • @deaventuraconkikomas4281
    @deaventuraconkikomas4281 2 года назад +1

    Wow.... What a very cool experience on this old passengers cars. Nice, very nice thanks for sharing.

  • @markmanz8897
    @markmanz8897 Год назад +2

    8499 - also known as The Ugly Duckling. It is truly a one of a kind bus. I’ve ridden on that bus. It is truly a gem, and it’s so awesome that it has been preserved.
    So, an often unknown fact… if you look at the Brown L train, you will notice the sides are flat. All of the newer trains have a “fish belly” design, where the sides flare out. This was “invented” by the “North Shore Line” that traveled from Milwaukee to the Chicago Loop. They wanted extra elbow room for passengers who would be traveling for over an hour. The first train to have this design was the Electroliner. There were only 2 built and they are both preserved. The one closest to Chicago is at the Illinois Railroad Museum in Union, IL. The Electroliner would often travel, unofficially, at over 100 mph, with only 2 trolley poles (on a 4 car train) for power.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      I want to go to Union specifically to see the electro liner. I’m so sad the North Shore doesn’t exist anymore, if it did I think Chicago would have the coolest transit network in the country.
      Japan has a similar thing, where the loading gauge at platform level is narrower than a foot higher, so most conventional trains have that same fishbowl shape. It’s how you can tell the bullet trains that go off the high speed lines apart from the regular bullet trains.

  • @daveinthewildOG
    @daveinthewildOG Год назад +1

    I keep making comments as I watch. Great b-roll all the time.

  • @SchneiderGeorge
    @SchneiderGeorge 2 года назад +7

    Fascinating look back at the good old days. Thank you, Thom!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +3

      You’re welcome! It was really cool to see the old vehicles and to experience them. In a lot of ways, I feel like design and comfort went backwards with the newer models. Here’s to hoping we learn from the past for tomorrow’s progress!

    • @cascade5682
      @cascade5682 Год назад +2

      ​@@Thom-TRA I like the newer generation of buses that can go farther on a gallon of low sulfur diesel.
      Single pedal acceleration/regeneration, led lighting, discrete radio, instant messaging and security cameras make for a modern ride.
      The GM coach from the 1950s was probably non-power steering which kept many women from taking a transit job back in the day.

    • @luislaplume8261
      @luislaplume8261 5 месяцев назад +1

      ​@@cascade5682Why do you think most bus drivers and truck drivers had muscular arms in those days? 😊

  • @douglasjackson5007
    @douglasjackson5007 Год назад +1

    Here's an idea for the CTA the next time they plan to do something like this. How about bringing in some of the restored equipment from the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. Not only do they have quite a collection of CTA equipment, but also operating equipment from the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee and the Chicago, Aurora, and Elgin interurbans that operated on the 'L'. Oh, what I wouldn't give to be able to again ride one of those fast North Shore Line trains, or even an Electroliner, that I grew up with from the Loop to Dempster Street.

  • @BobNWFA
    @BobNWFA 2 года назад +8

    Thank you, Thom, for another excellent video. I too appreciate your historical map presentation at the beginning, and your great coverage makes it possible for us out-of-towners to enjoy your riding experience vicariously. Please allow me to note that most of this vintage equipment was not air-conditioned and while comfortable on a crisp Fall day, riding during the summer was awful, a test of endurance. On modern buses, the rear is covered by the air conditioner. A major reason why deeply cushioned seats are a thing of the past is because vandals would slash them with knives. And the diesel pollution from those old buses was terrible. So overall I think we should be grateful for the vast improvements that have been made in transit technology which we enjoy today.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +3

      Thank you for the comment in for sharing your experience! I wholeheartedly agree with you and generally I find newer to be better. I wouldn’t want to go back to the old trains or buses, no matter how much fun this day was.
      I witnessed somebody vandalizing a bus today first hand. Really shameful how some folks can’t treat people or property with respect.

  • @user-nc5gt5ut2d
    @user-nc5gt5ut2d 2 года назад +1

    Wow Seriously how did I miss this. Well at least I got to see it here. Hopefully they do something again for the 80th!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      Hopefully! Sorry you missed it!

  • @OfficialSEIC2K6
    @OfficialSEIC2K6 2 года назад +1

    Happy 75th Anniversary CTA. The CTA has been around for a while now. I ♥️ CTA. The CTA was first made on October 2 1971. The CTA is one of the best transit systems in the U.S. . Red line's future is bright. CTA has a bright future ahead. Roll on CTA.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      I hope the future is brighter than the past! Chicago is lucky to have what so many major US cities do not.

  • @AndrewTubbiolo
    @AndrewTubbiolo 2 года назад

    @32:50 check out the guy with long hair and a brown coat. He has a 'of era' film camera. Wouldn't you love to see the photos he took? I have to admit a little less nostalgia for the pre 1980's busses. They were dingy, the diesel exhaust soot got everywhere because it blew out of the AC/heat vents. You're right, the seats were much more comfortable, but valdals always cut them. I have to admit once the 1980's and beyond buses came out, I never looked back. I love a modern 21st cen bus. In AZ the buses we use have huge efficient AC units where the rear window was on those heritage buses. In the peak of AZ summer there's nothing like getting on a municipal bus to bask in the ultra cold and dry air conditioning of modern units. I think you'd be impressed with the transit options in Tucson and Phoenix Az.

  • @johnkolassa1645
    @johnkolassa1645 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for the nice video. I'd like to see a 5000 back in service. I also liked the Nu-looks. Some of these were still in service in Fredrickton, NB, in the late 90s.

  • @johnchambers8528
    @johnchambers8528 2 года назад +3

    Thanks for showing us the historic train and busses. I live in the Philadelphia area and have visited Chicago several times. Between the CTA,PACE and METRA I have never had to rent a car to get around the Chicago area. Like my transit system SEPTA there are some short comings in service but they both do a good job serving the metropolitan area. Since I first started visiting Chicago in the 1970’s I got to ride some of the busses and trains that are now historic or completely gone. I especially liked the old green and white L trains that I was told were rebuilt from old trolleys.

    • @douglasjackson5007
      @douglasjackson5007 Год назад

      You are correct. The 6000 series 'L' cars were rebuilt/repurposed PCC streetcars by the St. Louis Car Company. I believe many were from Chicago's 4000 series PCCs and from other cities.

  • @luislaplume8261
    @luislaplume8261 5 месяцев назад

    The Loop was built with crossbar trestle in order to have as much sunlight on the streets below in the center of Chicago unlike the outer ends of the L train lines with had steel plates or steel girders. It opened in 1897.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  5 месяцев назад

      Interesting, I didn’t know that!

  • @tekkun0730
    @tekkun0730 Год назад

    動態保存して素晴らしいですね。CTA最高です。

  • @PopcornSimulationGaming
    @PopcornSimulationGaming Год назад +1

    Bloody brilliant so enjoyed this video 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚃🚌🚂💨💨

  • @anthonyscarborough3813
    @anthonyscarborough3813 2 года назад

    I live in Chicago, but unfortunately I missed this b/c I went home for the weekend.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      Sorry you missed it! Some of these run in different museums around the state.

  • @nickolaslewis1560
    @nickolaslewis1560 8 месяцев назад

    I rode 8499 back when I was a kid. This was an one off. The front end was changed to it's current configuration early on by the 77th St. shops.

  • @BDavinci06
    @BDavinci06 2 года назад +1

    My Mom who grew up in Chicago called buses like #301 there the "Green Limousine" . I remember as a kid visiting Chicago they had even in the 80's when I visited had that distinct "Green Limousine" livery on some of the newer buses they had besides the GM Fishbowl buses that was running. Great video of you and Lindsey enjoying CTA's 75th Anniversary riding its historic "L" cars and buses!!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      Green limousine! Love it

  • @roxxma
    @roxxma Год назад

    I happened to be visiting Chicago that weekend (from Boston) for a friend's birthday, and on October 1, after walking around for a bit, my friends and I took a Pink Line train from Morgan to the Loop (to catch a boat tour), I thought I caught a flash of red, white, and blue on a passing train and thought "huh, I guess that one has a retro livery". I had no idea this was going on.. Though I guess it explains the congestion on the Loop that day.

  • @alexbrown8569
    @alexbrown8569 10 месяцев назад

    The 4000 Series trolley poles were also used on Lake Street west of Laramie before they moved the tracks up to the C&NW embankment.

  • @metromaster2010
    @metromaster2010 2 года назад +3

    WOW! A fantastic job on the video. It was like being there in person

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +2

      Thank you so much! It was a really great event, there was a lot to do but it didn’t feel overwhelming. Sad to have missed you!

    • @metromaster2010
      @metromaster2010 2 года назад +1

      @@Thom-TRA Thank you. I'll be sure to make the Holiday train/bus this year

  • @jeromewysocki8809
    @jeromewysocki8809 2 года назад +1

    Great video! I haven't ridden on a CTA bus since 1976, but during the 1950s and 1960s, I been on every model of bus and train the CTA had, for hundreds of rides. I miss their old equipment, especially the 4000 series cars on the Ravenswood line (now called the Brown Line.).
    We used to call the 4300 series cars, the Toonerville Trollys" and since they were packed full of people traveling on the "rush hour" we called the CTA, the "Cattle Transit Authority."
    😀

  • @CalvinMennyweathers
    @CalvinMennyweathers 2 года назад +2

    Very entertaining to watch, sad I missed this event, but you made it possible for me to still experience it!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      Thank you! It was a great event. Also, love your name. I went to a school called Calvin.

  • @paulw.woodring7304
    @paulw.woodring7304 Год назад

    Twin Coach (bus 8499) was located in Kent, Ohio (at least at one time). Some of the buildings from it still exist on the West side of town, near where the auto dealerships are, near the tracks of the Wheeling and Lake Erie RR.

  • @carsonneeley4862
    @carsonneeley4862 6 месяцев назад

    The train Lindsey got on was a 2600 Series train, built in 1981, operating on the Purple Line to Linden

  • @patrickrichmond9896
    @patrickrichmond9896 Год назад

    I remember the old fishbowl buses. The Flxibles that are in this fleet were known as the Suburban Flxibles. I remember when St. Louis had them and my first ride on one was beyond words. Me and my family went for a ride on the 57 Manchester route when it operated out of Woodbine and Magnolia. Once the bus would turn to the left coming off onto Woodbine and then another left off of Woodbine onto Kirkwood Road, it would shake like the dickens. Then about towards the 1980s, Flxible came out what was called the Rhor Flxible. Bi-State's Rhor Flxibles were the 7000 class buses. The fishbowls were Bi-State's 8200 class buses.

  • @WillGrimm623
    @WillGrimm623 2 года назад +1

    Born and raised right near where the original Westchester branch ended. It’s pretty cool to see the remnants in the streets. Also old streetcar remnants from the West Towns railway!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      I’d love to hear more about these remnants! I’m planning a video series in the spring.

    • @WillGrimm623
      @WillGrimm623 Год назад

      @@Thom-TRA yeah so if you take a couple trips around the western suburbs, you can find old streetcar stations (more like a shelter but still) that have been repurposed as a bus stop and/or just sitting abandoned. Also old abandoned bridge piers. There are a things like this around the area. It’s pretty cool growing up out here

  • @danielueblacker9118
    @danielueblacker9118 2 года назад +1

    Thom great to see you and the wonderful wife Lindsey.
    So many transit fans out there taking photos and videos, we all do us proud.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      Young and old, we were all there to celebrate and admire. Great to hear from you!

  • @alteredstate42
    @alteredstate42 2 года назад

    great video :)

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      You’re welcome! This was an awesome event

  • @RooseveltAliWashingtonX
    @RooseveltAliWashingtonX 4 месяца назад

    Your work is great!

  • @joshc2650
    @joshc2650 2 года назад +3

    I wish I could've been there too! Love the video!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      It was a great event! Thanks for the comment!

  • @bucky45068
    @bucky45068 Год назад

    I rode that series many times

  • @nelsonramos5826
    @nelsonramos5826 3 месяца назад

    I love it🎉😊

  • @teecefamilykent
    @teecefamilykent 8 месяцев назад

    Finally watched this video, such awesome rol,ing stock!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  8 месяцев назад +1

      Glad you had some spare time!

  • @kevinhoward9593
    @kevinhoward9593 Год назад

    The Loop is a National Historic Landmark i believe.

  • @tomosborne8605
    @tomosborne8605 2 года назад +4

    Great video, Thom. Very professionally done. The CTA has posted high def real time video rides of all of the elevated lines on you tube. They are worth watching. Thanks for taking us along…

  • @jamesf791
    @jamesf791 2 года назад +2

    You are right the CTA had flaws, but it's my city. I have lived in the city for 43+ years now and still going, or all my life. I wish i got to go to this one. I remember the 50th anniversary of the CTA. They had an old steam engine on the tracks, that was a sight to see. Thanks for sharing your video.
    And you had the best seat of the train. Having the front seat or rear seat is the best.
    Have you ever been to either Illinois Railway Museum or Fox River Trolley Museum? I think you would really get a kick out those places.

  • @NonstopEurotrip
    @NonstopEurotrip 2 года назад +3

    Fantastic! What a great event and the trains and buses look in excellent condition 👌🏻 do they do other special outings for these vehicles like this too? I especially liked the one with the trolley pole. Great information at the start too of the evolution of the lines Thom 🥰

    • @luislaplume8261
      @luislaplume8261 2 года назад

      On some of the lines to the suburbs, service was on ground level and trolley poles had to be used to reach the wires. No 3td rail there.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      From what I could tell this was the first time in a while that they’d run these. There are other museums in the state that have these trains in working condition. I know NYC runs their heritage fleet a lot.

  • @jeanpabon2948
    @jeanpabon2948 Год назад

    I see myself in a few of your shots! (standing in line a handful of people behind you, and then at 12:00 on my knee taking footage of the train you are on LOL

  • @ck4426
    @ck4426 2 года назад +4

    I’ve enjoyed allllll of your videos, but this was the best yet!!!! The history, Lindsey, the beautiful Fall day, and the amazing transit specimens made for such an enjoyable and informative vlog!!!! Thank you for all of your hard work and bringing this day to all of us. We appreciate your efforts!!!!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +2

      I’m glad you loved it! Thanks for always leaving a kind word, it makes the experience so much better for me!

    • @ck4426
      @ck4426 2 года назад +1

      @@Thom-TRA I should have just gone myself but your video was just as good as going or better!!!😄

  • @ChrisHessert
    @ChrisHessert Год назад

    Discovered your content on RUclips today. After watching a few episodes, saw this one. I grew up in Evanston, IL (1962-1979), so this is near and dear to my heart. My Dad was a train nut (as I am), so we rode the L and Chicago & Northwestern commuter lines regularly. Dad took me on a couple journeys when the CTA decided to retire the 4000 series cars in the 1970s: I remember those cars well! I can remember crew putting the trolley poles up for the Skokie Swift, but don't recall the same for the Evanston Express trains. Thanks very much for all your rail content and reviews: now a subscriber.

  • @deaventuraconkikomas4281
    @deaventuraconkikomas4281 2 года назад

    And that bus you feel like in the Speed movie of Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves...

  • @ThePizzaPoPo
    @ThePizzaPoPo 2 года назад

    I was there!!

  • @himbourbanist
    @himbourbanist Год назад

    those 6000 series trains rain until 12/4/92, TWO DAYS before I was born. I'm 30

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад +1

      The beginning of a new era I guess

  • @GoGarbage
    @GoGarbage 2 года назад

    So Beautiful

  • @douglasjackson5007
    @douglasjackson5007 Год назад

    If I'm not mistaken, the 6000 series 'L' cars were repurposed/rebuilt PCC streetcars by the St. Louis Car Company. I believe many were from Chicago's 4000 series PCCs and from other cities.

  • @daveinthewildOG
    @daveinthewildOG Год назад

    Great documentary on the heritage celebration! Have you done any footage of Metra or CTA during rush hour? These systems are amazing at full flow. There ain't no fooling around. People are hustling!

  • @shsav2012
    @shsav2012 Год назад

    I love how Yerkirs is barely mentioned on American channels but is talked tooth and nail in the UK. (I’m looking at you Jago Hazzard).

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      Yerkeys certainly left a mark on both sides of the pond…

  • @henryjpridejr
    @henryjpridejr 2 года назад +1

    I hope you take my advice your friend is a keeper I've been married for over 25 years if you love trains like I do a good partner is needed be safe and may God bless you and your family

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      Thank you, I will take your advice to heart. Blessings to you too!

  • @brandoncole5533
    @brandoncole5533 Год назад

    I'm mad I missed this😤

  • @256emmitt
    @256emmitt 2 года назад

    You make a very good point. Love to hate CTA. But what can we do without them? And I've been riding CTA for many years. Dealing with rude bus drivers. Rude ticket agents and rude train conductors back in the day. It's good to see youngsters like yourself. Has taken interest of knowing the history of the transit agency itself and riding the vintage "L" cars especially the 6000 series, which I grew up riding on those trains when I was a little kid. I'm 48. And I have seen CTA transitioned from a cro-magnon style customer service to a more compassionate customer service. Especially what is happening nowadays with the pandemic.

  • @anthonywarrener1881
    @anthonywarrener1881 2 года назад

    Thank you for a truly fascinating. Idea ! Great scenes, and really interesting.

  • @amfm889
    @amfm889 2 года назад

    Thanks for the ride-along! I miss the "railfan" seat in the front of the train- great views. The windows that open did bring fresh air in (no a/c back then!), the screech of steel wheels in the subway tunnel curves on the north side were deafening! Great history lesson, and editing, too. Minor correction: it's the Kennedy.that has a median line in it. Jane Addams is the name given to the I-90 tollway past O'Hare (what a ridiculous idea to name a toll road- in the suburbs, no less- after the Chicago social reformer.)

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      I tend to get on the I-90 in Elk Grove for work where it’s called the JA, so I totally overlooked that it has a different name past Cumberland. While I admire Adams and think more stuff should be named after her, I do wonder what her thoughts would be on the social impact of the interstate highway system!

  • @canyonoverlook9937
    @canyonoverlook9937 8 месяцев назад

    From what I could find on the internet it looks like only 36 percent of CTA buses were air conditioned in 2000. They hoped to have the whole fleet with a/c by the fall of 2003. It wasn't until 2003 that they all had a/c. Wow. Cars could get a/c in 1940 as an option. It took a long time to get a/c on buses.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  8 месяцев назад

      I can’t imagine riding an unairconditioned bus. Sounds rough.

  • @ashleyjiscool
    @ashleyjiscool 2 года назад

    The 2400 carriages were the base for the 2600 carriages with a few tweaks

  • @bryceknowles1380
    @bryceknowles1380 4 месяца назад

    Anyone here wish Bombarier(the company that produces “L” cars) would try and recreate these vintage train car sets, giving them a modern touch up but retain its classic, old-time vibe? I mean, I would. Think it would be fun if the CTA hosted an event where we could create our own train cars. The winner would have there car designs turned into official train car sets.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  4 месяца назад

      Bombardier doesn’t exist anymore, they were bought by Alston

    • @bryceknowles1380
      @bryceknowles1380 4 месяца назад

      @@Thom-TRA Darn…

  • @TWIGYBNSF
    @TWIGYBNSF 2 года назад

    Great video! Thanks for sharing! I think I ran into you both at Clark & Lake. I see me in my blue jacket at 9:43 in your video and several other times

  • @solidarityrail2551
    @solidarityrail2551 2 года назад

    I just ran a 4000 car today at Fox River Trolley museum

  • @brunhildevalkyrie
    @brunhildevalkyrie 6 месяцев назад

    22:16 Stormy Kara sighting!

  • @8avexp
    @8avexp 2 года назад +2

    Actually, Chicago Surface Lines was in fact the world's largest streetcar network. CTA's first president was anti-streetcar and vowed to rid Chicago of them by 1960. By 1958, they were all gone. I remember the 4000s on the Evanston Express, so the signage is very appropriate. Those 6000s were built using components salvaged from Green Hornet streetcars.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      I knew it was the largest cable network, didn’t realize that counted for electric too. I wonder why he hated streetcars? Were they too old-fashioned? He’d roll over in his grave if he saw most American cities now…

    • @8avexp
      @8avexp 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA Back then the prevailing attitude was that streetcars were old-fashioned, obsolete and they interfered with increasing automobile traffic.

    • @jeromewysocki8809
      @jeromewysocki8809 2 года назад

      I wonder if his hate for streetcars had anything to do with the horrific accident that occurred in 1950.
      The streetcar motorman supposedly was drunk when he ran a red light at 63rd and State St. The streetcar collided with a gasoline tanker truck. The explosion was massive. I believe it was about 30 people who got killed, many of which were trapped within the burning streetcar.
      Apparently, the safety doors malfunctioned as people were desperately trying to get out of the burning streetcar.
      Both the streetcar and truck drivers were killed. Several parked cars and five houses and / or stores also caught fire.

    • @8avexp
      @8avexp 2 года назад

      @@jeromewysocki8809 The motorman wasn't drunk. Supposedly he was told he would be going straight on through instead of being looped at the 62nd Place turnaround. They had just about finished pumping out the flooded underpass south of 63rd St. when 7078 approached. The switch to the turnaound was plugged open instead of being returned to the closed position after each car passed. 7078 was hightailing down State St. and the motorman either didn't see the flagman or ignored him. He hit that open switch at speed, the car derailed and hit the gasoline truck.

  • @ChicagolandTransit
    @ChicagolandTransit 2 года назад

    Great video! I saw you on the 4000 but wasn't able to say hello since I was occupied with friends. Maybe some other time... Glad you're enjoying Chicago!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      Funny we were on the same train! Hope you enjoyed the day as well

    • @ChicagolandTransit
      @ChicagolandTransit 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA likewise! Any way to contact you? I know you still haven't caught the 7000s yet lol

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      @@ChicagolandTransit I have an Instagram you can DM if you have that.
      My wife Lindsey actually rode a 7000 for the first time yesterday! I’m very jealous.

    • @ChicagolandTransit
      @ChicagolandTransit 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA nicee lol

  • @sfmike711
    @sfmike711 Год назад

    I went to a college in the western burbs from 1968 through June 1971. I rode the L all the time when I went into Chicago and loved it (I'm a cable car, streetcar, and subway fan; later in life, for 11 years, I was a train operator for SF BART - lots of fun). I remember the few times that I was in Chicago for afternoon rush hour and got to ride on a 4000 train. Chicago rolled everything they had to accommodate the crowds. I also remember the old system of "A" and "B" stops and having to transfer to make sure I got on the right train for a particular stop. Great memories. Thanks for your dedication to this!

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      I love BART! And just everything in SF

    • @sfmike711
      @sfmike711 Год назад

      @@Thom-TRA I'm a 5th generation native of the City. I really love SF and I'm glad you do, too. By far, BART operator was the best job I ever had.

  • @MIDKNIGHT6
    @MIDKNIGHT6 Год назад

    The demise of the streetcars and trolley busses was a result of the cold war. The federal governments policy was to phase out this type of mass transit and to switch to diesel busses that could travel out of the city in case of war. No one will ever see those interior designs ever again unless you visit a museum. They were phased out because of ADA regulations. Good video. Try the Illinois Railway Museum as well as The Fox River Trolley Museum and the East Troy Railway Museum.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      I think you’re glossing over a huge factor and that is lobbying by automobile companies, who made a fortune by selling diesel buses. The Cold War explanation doesn’t really make sense, considering almost every other country that was involved in the Cold War largely retained their streetcar networks.

  • @edeinhorn6016
    @edeinhorn6016 2 года назад +1

    Absolutely wonderful video with great editing! Too bad Lindsey couldn't enjoy the entire day with you. You might want to go back and check your voiceover at around 27:30. You said bus 3607 when you meant 3706. You said the seats were more comfortable than the current buses. What did you think about the ride of each bus and L? In other words, did the older buses bounce up and down like they needed a new suspension and shocks? Did the older L cars sway more from side to side? I look forward to your new videos each week. Keep up the good work!

  • @superiorjr154
    @superiorjr154 Год назад

    9:52 sounds like a diesel train to be honest😊

  • @daveinthewildOG
    @daveinthewildOG Год назад

    Are those 4000s the ones they show in the Blues Brothers outside of Elwood's room? Trains run so often you'll stop noticing.

  • @genevarailfan3909
    @genevarailfan3909 Год назад

    Nice work! I didn't know the 4000s started out in the brown/orange scheme--my only experience with them is conducting the green/cream ones at IRM.
    How did you find out about the 75th anniversary event? I didn't hear about it until afterward.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      It was all over social media the months leading up to it

    • @genevarailfan3909
      @genevarailfan3909 Год назад

      @@Thom-TRA Hmm. I follow Metra, but not the CTA. I guess Metra didn't share it. Thanks!

  • @trainluvr
    @trainluvr Год назад

    So many great shots! I was there also, you can see it and much more on my channel. Look at my playlists or else you will be overwhelmed.

  • @GD-ru7xr
    @GD-ru7xr Год назад

    CTA tore down the Humboldt Park, Kenwood, Stock Yards, and Metropolitan Westside-- Damen to Congress branches, and shortened others. Some of these decisions were dumb, e.g., the Humboldt Park and Damen to Congress could be useful today. Some have said the CTA's action was done to protect the loop from "undesirable" people having access to downtown.

  • @Chicagoguy1984
    @Chicagoguy1984 2 года назад

    Shame no 80's or 90s buses are operational. Those are the ones I grew up on as a kid :(

    • @jeromewysocki8809
      @jeromewysocki8809 2 года назад

      They are not operational because they were literally worn out from all the environmental stress they were subject to (temperature extremes, potholes, etc.) The few that serviced were saved for their Heritage Fleet.

  • @rayizard5687
    @rayizard5687 Год назад

    Does anyone know the Series Number of the train from the opening credits of the Bob Newhart Show? And does CTA have any more of them?

  • @luislaplume8261
    @luislaplume8261 2 года назад

    By the 1950s all new NYC subway trains had florescent lights not Bullseye indirect lights like Chicago and Boston.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      I love the NYC subway

  • @jameskerner7782
    @jameskerner7782 2 года назад

    Just asking. Did you guys do the TA's Parade of trains?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      Have never done that yet. Hope to someday soon.

  • @GreenimatorOSC
    @GreenimatorOSC 13 дней назад

    What song did you use in this video?

  • @williamboorn2097
    @williamboorn2097 Год назад

    skokie rulz go hang out there specially that restaurant in the downtown part all mahogany

  • @kareemwashington4120
    @kareemwashington4120 Месяц назад

    Forgot to mention that green line was red line till 1990 the green line new route was elevated and redline went on new route subway

  • @superiorjr154
    @superiorjr154 Год назад

    Does the 4000 series use the third rail? In fact how many of these older trains used the third rail?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      They all use third rail

  • @Chicagoguy1984
    @Chicagoguy1984 2 года назад

    ?? 81W Lawrence tells me this but was out of Forest Glen garage NOT North park

  • @DoubleHCreations
    @DoubleHCreations Год назад

    Why did they take the 2400s out of service? They seem perfectly functional. They could’ve just added announcement signs to some of them.

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      Probably some wear and tear that would cost more to maintain in a larger fleet. Trains that stop and go every few minutes wear out a lot faster than long distance trains with less stops.

  • @ggreg2258
    @ggreg2258 Год назад

    Interesting. Question: If the older coaches were functional, why were they retired?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  Год назад

      Because keeping them functional requires a lot of work and money, plus they don’t come with technological/accessibility advances of newer trains. If people are still driving model T’s for fun, why do we make new cars?

  • @Najera_ro
    @Najera_ro 2 года назад

    Hi!, Im from Mexico and I’m going to Grand Rapids in December to visit a friend, I’m taking the Amtrak from Chicago to Grand Rapids and viceversa but I don’t know anything about it, the schedules, the prices, can I message you and give me some advises ?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад +1

      The train leaves from Chicago at 6:30 PM Central Time (you should be there no later than 6) and gets to Grand Rapids at 11:30 PM Eastern Time.
      On the way back, it leaves Grand Rapids at 6:00 AM and gets to Chicago at 9:10 AM.
      Price is cheaper the earlier you book, but it will usually be between 30 and 50 dollars one way.
      What will you be doing in GR?

    • @Najera_ro
      @Najera_ro 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA there’s only that schedules?, my plan is to stay 2 days in Chicago and then go to GR, I’m a little bit scare because I’m going alone, in GR I’m staying at my friends house

    • @Najera_ro
      @Najera_ro 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA where do you book the ticket ?

    • @Najera_ro
      @Najera_ro 2 года назад

      @@Thom-TRA can i massage you from instagram ?

    • @Thom-TRA
      @Thom-TRA  2 года назад

      @@Najera_ro yes, you can