Entries by Ray Piesciuk

Today, for the first time in almost 20 years, CTA “L” cars 2153-2154 moved as a two-car train, with both cars powering properly.  After replacing a motor, then troubleshooting and solving propulsion system issues, the cars made a test trip around the carline followed by several mainline trips and performed beautifully.  Barring any unforeseen situation, this ensures that these cars will be in the Trolley Pageant on Saturday, July 06.  While there are still some minor details that still need to be worked on, there is a very good chance that these cars will be IN SERVICE before the end of the season!!!

2000s in their original Mint Green and Alpine White paint scheme

The Illinois Railway Museum is pleased to announce that it has received a $5,000 Railroad Heritage Grant from the Tom E. Dailey Foundation. This generous contribution from the Foundation has been earmarked for our CTA 2000-series "L" cars, 2153-2154 (Pullman-Standard, 1964). Specifically, the grant will greatly help fund the exterior restoration of CTA 2153-2154, in which they will be backdated to the distinctive Mint Green and Alpine White paint colors which they wore upon their delivery to the CTA in 1964. CTA 2153-2154 are the only unmodified 2000-series "L" cars in preservation, and were considered cutting-edge upon their manufacture due to the inclusion of fluorescent lighting, air conditioning, molded fiberglass carbody components, and "Space Age" design elements.

The Tom E. Dailey Foundation Inc (501)(C)(3) was established through an endowment by Tom Dailey, a senior executive in the payment processing industry for nearly 30 years. The Foundation was created as a way to to support specific causes which are close to his heart and to share the blessings he has received.

2153-2154 at 50th Avenue Station