5000-series - Updates

[BusHunter]

I spy tagging on 5155-5156 here...

That's on alot of Red line cars, it appears to be the same group/person. Someone is scribble happy #5295-96 has been hit twice already.

[jajuan]

I spy tagging on 5155-5156 here...

Good eye sw. I didn't notice it when I flipped through Bushunter's photos of that car set.

[Busjack]

I spy tagging on 5155-5156 here...

Note, not on the fluted section.

[sw4400]

#5155-56 has been assigned to the yellow line this week. I don't know if it's going to stay there, or if it's a trainer, the Xmas train (#2890's) have disappeared off the line. I haven't seen them in two weeks. Since there are no Yellow line pictures with the new color signs, I snapped a few pictures.

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That's unusual. I don't think another line would be getting any 5000's until the Red Line gets whatever amount they are expecting. I think it'll be half/half, as to put 300+ on the Red Line will impact putting them on the Purple and Orange Lines. I don't see Yellow getting any 5000's until these two get their allotment, either a full roster or a partial.

As far as 2893-2898, I don't think they were removed from service now to be prepped for Santa Train duty beginning about Thanksgiving through Christmas. I don't think these cars go for decorations until sometime late October. Maybe it's a borrowed set for some reason, as you noted that the Red, Yellow and Purple Lines borrow cars off each other, and all Rail Operators out of these three are from Howard Yard, so all personnel should be trained for 5000's up there.

[chicagopcclcar]

As far as 2893-2898, I don't think they were removed from service now to be prepped for Santa Train duty beginning about Thanksgiving through Christmas. I don't think these cars go for decorations until sometime late October. Maybe it's a borrowed set for some reason, as you noted that the Red, Yellow and Purple Lines borrow cars off each other, and all Rail Operators out of these three are from Howard Yard, so all personnel should be trained for 5000's up there.

Of course you've prefaced your remarks with "I don't think", but nevertheless, you're mistaken. Normally the Holiday Train cars begin being decked out in September....so this year they're two weeks earlier. They never could wait as late as October. It's a lot of work to prepare those six cars. And you've had years to notice this pattern.

As far as 5000-qualification....the three presently qualified lines, the Pink, the Green and the Red all had out of service, training trains operating with operators aboard along with an instructor/supervisor. Since no one has reported seeing such trains operate on the Purple line, I don't think you should say that all Howard Street terminal operators are 5000 series qualified. Now the Yellow line is a question mark that I'll admit to. The line is so short that it could be qualified with in-service trains rather than running out-of-service training trains. Are 5000s still running there? Or maybe that was just a test run by an extra board operator. If they're training crews, look for the instructor/supervisor in either car since the line is so short.

[geneking7320]

Good eye sw. I didn't notice it when I flipped through Bushunter's photos of that car set.

Tuesday I noticed etching on a 5K car on the Green Line while riding southbound heading to Roosevelt.

[BusHunter]

Of course you've prefaced your remarks with "I don't think", but nevertheless, you're mistaken. Normally the Holiday Train cars begin being decked out in September....so this year they're two weeks earlier. They never could wait as late as October. It's a lot of work to prepare those six cars. And you've had years to notice this pattern.

As far as 5000-qualification....the three presently qualified lines, the Pink, the Green and the Red all had out of service, training trains operating with operators aboard along with an instructor/supervisor. Since no one has reported seeing such trains operate on the Purple line, I don't think you should say that all Howard Street terminal operators are 5000 series qualified. Now the Yellow line is a question mark that I'll admit to. The line is so short that it could be qualified with in-service trains rather than running out-of-service training trains. Are 5000s still running there? Or maybe that was just a test run by an extra board operator. If they're training crews, look for the instructor/supervisor in either car since the line is so short.

#5155-56 has been up there a few days. It's not a train someone just decided to take up there. CTA requested #5155-56 specifically, over the radio they were "searching for it for the yellow line" on Sunday but it was 10-25 wet at Racine yard. I guess they cleaned it up for Monday. To me it almost sounds like a temporary assignment/loan at least until the #2890's come back.

[See Tea Eh]

Normally the Holiday Train cars begin being decked out in September....so this year they're two weeks earlier. They never could wait as late as October. It's a lot of work to prepare those six cars.

Given the time and cost of decorating those cars, I wonder if at some point, once sufficient 5000s have been delivered to cover all of Howard Yard, they'll just decide to keep those six in permanent Holiday Train configuration, and park them at Skokie much of the year.

[Busjack]

Given the time and cost of decorating those cars, I wonder if at some point, once sufficient 5000s have been delivered to cover all of Howard Yard, they'll just decide to keep those six in permanent Holiday Train configuration, and park them at Skokie much of the year.

Given this, apparently Scrooge Kreusi might not have been so far off. There must be some cost to keeping 4 cars out of service for at least 4 months.

[chicagopcclcar]

Given this, apparently Scrooge Kreusi might not have been so far off. There must be some cost to keeping 4 cars out of service for at least 4 months.

You are so misinformed....the Holiday Train consists of SIX cars, plus the flat car carrying Santa.

[sw4400]

As far as 5000-qualification....the three presently qualified lines, the Pink, the Green and the Red all had out of service, training trains operating with operators aboard along with an instructor/supervisor. Since no one has reported seeing such trains operate on the Purple line, I don't think you should say that all Howard Street terminal operators are 5000 series qualified. Now the Yellow line is a question mark that I'll admit to. The line is so short that it could be qualified with in-service trains rather than running out-of-service training trains. Are 5000s still running there? Or maybe that was just a test run by an extra board operator. If they're training crews, look for the instructor/supervisor in either car since the line is so short.

I'm going to disagree with you here... Howard Yard(this is the yard as a whole) has "X" amount of Rail Operators, all of which have most likely ran all three lines out of that yard which is Red, Purple and Yellow. When those operators arrive, they are given a run number and route assignment, whether it's a Red, Yellow, or Purple Line run.

Let me break it down like this into a scenario for you...

Suppose Howard Yard has 40 Rail Operators. 22 trained for the Red Line, 10 for the Purple Line and 8 for the Yellow Line. Now let's say a flu pandemic goes around and all they have are 24 Rail Operators available for duty... 13 for the Red Line, 9 for the Purple Line and 0 for the Yellow Line. Does that mean that the Yellow Line is shut down and all passengers are to use the #97 Skokie bus as an alternate? We can even make the scenario the same amount of Rail Operators during a flu pandemic with the difference being that there are 21 Red Line and 3 Yellow Line Operators. What happens to the Purple Line? Does it get shut down until operators who are trained can run it? Howard Yard runs three rail lines, and all those operators are certified to run all three of those lines, I'm willing to bet. That means that 5000's can appear of Red, Purple or Yellow Line runs up there, as can 2400's(which have been the case in the past on the Yellow Line) and 2600's.

Otherwise, why would a Red Line Operator be running a revenue service Yellow Line train? They wouldn't test 5000's on the Yellow Line with passengers in case something happens.

[chicagopcclcar]

I'm going to disagree with you here... Howard Yard(this is the yard as a whole) has "X" amount of Rail Operators, all of which have most likely ran all three lines out of that yard which is Red, Purple and Yellow. When those operators arrive, they are given a run number and route assignment, whether it's a Red, Yellow, or Purple Line run.

Let me break it down like this into a scenario for you...

Suppose Howard Yard has 40 Rail Operators. 22 trained for the Red Line, 10 for the Purple Line and 8 for the Yellow Line. Now let's say a flu pandemic goes around and all they have are 24 Rail Operators available for duty... 13 for the Red Line, 9 for the Purple Line and 0 for the Yellow Line. Does that mean that the Yellow Line is shut down and all passengers are to use the #97 Skokie bus as an alternate? We can even make the scenario the same amount of Rail Operators during a flu pandemic with the difference being that there are 21 Red Line and 3 Yellow Line Operators. What happens to the Purple Line? Does it get shut down until operators who are trained can run it? Howard Yard runs three rail lines, and all those operators are certified to run all three of those lines, I'm willing to bet. That means that 5000's can appear of Red, Purple or Yellow Line runs up there, as can 2400's(which have been the case in the past on the Yellow Line) and 2600's.

Otherwise, why would a Red Line Operator be running a revenue service Yellow Line train? They wouldn't test 5000's on the Yellow Line with passengers in case something happens.

I should ask first, do you know what a "pick" is? Then, do you know what an "extra board is?" Your whole scenario is incorrect and to me shows you do not understand how a terminal assigns its workers.

[MTRSP1900-CTA3200]

#5155-56 has been assigned to the yellow line this week. I don't know if it's going to stay there, or if it's a trainer, the Xmas train (#2890's) have disappeared off the line. I haven't seen them in two weeks. Since there are no Yellow line pictures with the new color signs, I snapped a few pictures.

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Nice pictures! I really like the LED signs on the Yellow Line . I ride the Green Line, and those Cottage Grove and Harlem signs are still cool to me, but it's nice to see something new.

[TheBrunswickBowler]

#5155-56 has been assigned to the yellow line this week. I don't know if it's going to stay there, or if it's a trainer, the Xmas train (#2890's) have disappeared off the line. I haven't seen them in two weeks. Since there are no Yellow line pictures with the new color signs, I snapped a few pictures.

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So the Yellow Line is starting to get 5000s now? And will the Yellow Line be fully equipped with 5000s soon? I can't wait until the Blue and Orange Lines get the 5000s!

[BusHunter]

#5303-04 is in Howard yard today and #5297-98 went in service today.It's been in the yard most of the week.

[chicagopcclcar]

I'm still awaiting a reply from SW4400. The Yellow line is a world away from me so I need extra eyes to stay informed. That's a disadvantage. Is the one set of 5000s still on the Yellow line? It is the lowest numbered set assigned to the Red line. What series is running the other Yellow service. However, my sources, this morning, say that 5000s ARE NOT assigned to the Yellow line.

[artthouwill]

In terms of equipment, let's remember that at one time, the Yellow Line ran with 3200s. The Red and Purple Lines did not. I supposed that any operator who 'picked" a run with Yellow Line trips had to be qualified on the Cineston controlled operation of the train. If an operator didn't show up for work, whatever extra board operator assigned to it would probably have to also be qualified to operate the 3200s as well.

Even after the Yellow Line was converted to third rail operation along the entire route, you didn't see those roofboard cars on the Red (supposedly because of clearance issues) or the Purple Lines. In fact, those cars were moved to the Brown Line .

Right now I wouldn't say that any 5000s were "assigned" to the Yellow Line, but since 2600s can be interchanged between the Red. Purple, and Yellow Lines out of Howard, certainly the 5000s could be interchanged among the three also if needed, IF there was a qualified operator on the Purple or Yellow Line to operate the train.

[chicagopcclcar]

Road trip!! Road trip!! Went out today to find answers, but I got sidetracked when I spied a movie shoot on track 1 at Sheridan. Four 2600s signed for 95th St. although none of that will probably make it into the production. Movie extras have to be patient.....take after take after take. More sources told me that 5000s are not "assigned" to the Yellow line. But lo and behold, I rode 5156 from Howard to Oakton. I did get some admissions that decisions about equipment changes at 567 everytime the wind changes, so who knows??? I did learn that all Howard St. terminal personnel are now qualified on 5000s and evidently there will be no more grandstand introductions of the 5000s on routes. Purple line will evidently not be having training trains either so SW4400 is basically correct in his assessment. And there will be a charter this Sunday, that's so far been kept a secret.

The "unassigned" 5000s NB at Howard St.

5156 NB at Oakton/Skokie

"Lights! Camera! Action!...Hollywood on Sheridan with Red line trains ariving and leaving.

[BusHunter]

Of course they're not assigned 2893-98 is. It just something temporary they put up there but what will it lead to. Perhaps the most telling thing about your Sunday charter is the matter of what cars will be used.

[sw4400]

Well, I'm not one to gloat when someone says "I'm right.", no "told you so" from me, but getting back on topic...

Your road trip seeing 2600's being used for Hollywood filming and BusHunter stating along with you that 5000's are not assigned to the Yellow Line and no official CTA release about it like the Pink, Green and Red Lines make me think like you that this is a temporary assignment, and even though the Santa Train will start to be constructed in the coming weeks, I think 2893-2898 are playing a role in this Hollywood filming, and the CTA can spare them since they are just six cars from a line that can just use extra Howard Yard stock(hence the 5000's).

[pudgym29]

I just hope that car #5309 is on the point of train run #867. (Changing the destination sign to read "Jenny" would be an optional extra.)

[Busjack]

I just hope that car #5309 is on the point of train run #867. (Changing the destination sign to read "Jenny" would be an optional extra.)

Actually that doesn't work, because (708)867-5309 is theoretically in Norridge/Harwood Heights, which is sort of served by the Blue Line. Maybe it is a cell phone number in some other area code.

Then, in one of the blind date movie twists, it turns out to be some pizza delivery person whose nickname is Gorilla.

[BusHunter]

#5305-06 was on the Red line but it's been laid up for the night.

[BusHunter]

Was up at Skokie Shops yesterday and the #5000 deliveries seem to be slowing down again. Last week I learned some more of the #5000's are going back to Bombardier, (more defects I don't know) I didn't get car numbers but it appears to be off the Red line. So I don't know ifanother Bombard delay is on the horizon or not. #5307-08, I believe is on CTA property.

The Swift was all screwed up from yesterday's storm. The trains were all on ATC bypass between Kostner and Dempster. All the crossings were stuck down in Skokie and all the wayside signals were stuck on red, there was no power to the business' in the area of Oakton and Skokie Blvd, so I guess the trackage defaults to this setup in case of a power failure. Not a good day to be in Skokie, that's for sure!!

[mkohut]

Was up at Skokie Shops yesterday and the #5000 deliveries seem to be slowing down again. Last week I learned some more of the #5000's are going back to Bombardier, (more defects I don't know) I didn't get car numbers but it appears to be off the Red line. So I don't know ifanother Bombard delay is on the horizon or not. #5307-08, I believe is on CTA property.

The Swift was all screwed up from yesterday's storm. The trains were all on ATC bypass between Kostner and Dempster. All the crossings were stuck down in Skokie and all the wayside signals were stuck on red, there was no power to the business' in the area of Oakton and Skokie Blvd, so I guess the trackage defaults to this setup in case of a power failure. Not a good day to be in Skokie, that's for sure!!

So much for Commonwealth Edison and its smart grid.