| Built by Cincinnati Car Company in 1927. The following is from a sign on the car: The Chicago, Aurora & Elgin operated from the Loop to Wheaton, with lines to Aurora, Batavia, Geneva, and Elgin. Unlike most interurbans, power was distributed by a third rail. The 1953 opening of the Eisenhower Expressway, cutting the lines direct access to the Loop, soon led to the end of passenger service. Much of the lines right-of-way is now part of the Illinois Prairie Path. CA&E 431 is one of fifteen similar heavyweight steel cars, whose interiors were far more plush and comfortable than streetcars or elevated car of the same era. It carried commuters in both main and smoking compartments until the end of CA&E passenger service in 1957. The car was purchased by IRM, and arrived at the museum in 1962. It is operational, but is being restored. It is the only steel CA&E car in Illinois. |