The CTA Historical Collection

For many years after street railway service ended, the CTA kept a collection of historic cars in storage at the Lincoln and Wrightwood barn. The projected museum never materialized, and in 1985 most of the collection came to IRM. Tom Hunter sent us these pictures from 1976. The collection was not open to the public, and he had to sneak in. Thanks, Tom!

(L) The mail car is now at FRTM in South Elgin. (R) The cars in this picture came to IRM. Bill pointed out that the buses are motor buses fitted with sleet-scraper trolley poles.

(L) This is PCC #4021, now at the west end of track 73. (R) The CTA retained South Side Rapid Transit Car #1 until 2005, then donated it to the Chicago Historical Society, where it is now on display.

(L) CTA Pullman #460.

(R) Our horse car, #8.