Old Cars - Last Chance

[trainman8119]

Word came out today that the last day of operation for the old highliners (1500-1600 series) will be February 12. There are only a few left (maybe 18-24) and currently run only on zone trains in rush hour. After that date, they will be retired and word has it they will be stored on one of the new storage tracks at Van Buren St until further disposition is decided. No word on the previous rumor that some were going to be held on to for emergencies, but that seems pretty unlikely now.

[Busjack]

Are those that are left only the Bombardier cars, or also some St. Louis? Or doesn't it matter any more?

[trainman8119]

On ‎1‎/‎14‎/‎2016 at 4:07 PM, Busjack said:

Are those that are left only the Bombardier cars, or also some St. Louis? Or doesn't it matter any more?

Actually both.

Also, I just heard that the last trip is scheduled to depart Randolph St at 10:30 am (train 117) with the big shots on board and when that train returns (train 120 leaving UP at 11:57) around 1:00 pm that will be it, they will be officially retired.

 

**UPDATE**  The return run will be with new cars waiting at UP. The old equipment will run non revenue back downtown upon arrival at UP

[Pace831]

Some information from First & Fastest Facebook page. Online rumors are saying that the last run will be extra equipment that will travel on the South Chicago branch before continuing to University Park. No official word yet from Metra, but the CTA 2400s last run was only announced 2 days in advance so there is still time.

[Pace831]

These are the handouts and commemorative tickets that were given out at the event. I'll upload more pictures later.

[Juniorz]

This is it! 

The Original Highliners are officially retired, after 44 years of dedicated service, just like the beloved Budd-built cta 2200s!

Farewell, Old Friend

[icrailroad]

What a sad day. This equipment has been a big part of my entire life. My grandfather and uncle both worked for the I.C.  My first memories of going downtown were on the highliners at Christmas. My dad took them downtown to work every day and I've been riding them to work now for 26 years myself. Wish I could have made that final run.

[andrethebusman]

What were the car numbers of the two trains?

[Pace831]

20 minutes ago, andrethebusman said:

What were the car numbers of the two trains?

From south to north end: 1587, 1520, 1573, 1526, 1657, 1634,

Didn't get the car numbers of the return train, but it did have 1227 (Elonzo "Lonnie" Hill) as the second car from the north end.

[Juniorz]

Run number 117 and to denote the farewell, 71 was placed inside the run boxes. Does anyone have the service bulletin?

[busfan2847]

On 2/13/2016 at 10:47 AM, Pace831 said:

From south to north end: 1587, 1520, 1573, 1526, 1657, 1634,

Didn't get the car numbers of the return train, but it did have 1227 (Elonzo "Lonnie" Hill) as the second car from the north end.

1324 was the lead, then 1227, 1270, 12??, 1360, 1361.

[geneking7320]

Back around Labor Day of 2006 I first visited IRM. I happened to speak with an engineer who had operated the Pullmans, Original Highliners, as well as the

then new Highliner IIs. I hope he is around to appreciate this.

 

[r-schauer]

Some people on this board wondered why the Museum of the American Railroad in Frisco, Texas, would be interested in getting Highliners.   Well, they've just put out a press release saying what they plan to do with their ten cars.

 

http://www.museumoftheamericanrailroad.org/Home/News/tabid/61/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/98/Stream-Liner-Rolls-into-Frisco.aspx

 

R. W. Schauer

 

[Juniorz]

Scenes from the ceremonial farewell and the official decommissioning 

 

[Pace831]

6 hours ago, Juniorz said:

Scenes from the ceremonial farewell and the official decommissioning 

Which reminds me I was going to post these: