Chicago Day

Chicago Day marks the anniversary of the end of all streetcar service in Chicago in 1958, and there were several special cars in service to mark the occasion. The 1374 made a rare appearance, but I missed getting a picture of it.

Two long-time friends of Norm Krentel were visiting from Michigan, so this seemed like a good excuse to test out the two-car train and let them run it a little.

The 4391 developed a problem with the mechanical linkage in the control system. When it died at Depot St., it was necessary to push it along the streetcar line and pull it back onto the pit lead. I helped a little with this project, and managed to get a picture. It was quickly repaired with the aid of our expert team of PCC specialists, including Frank Sirinek, Bob Heinlein, Jerry, Rod, Wes, and others. It was then put back into service, and since the regular conductor had been pulled off to help on an L train, I was the conductor for a while.

It's not obvious, but the operating handle for a Chicago PCC is slightly different from the standard PCC handle. The problem developed because a standard handle (from a pedal car) had been used. I confess I myself hadn't known this. I have a PCC handle from a Boston car, for instance, but I never got around to trying it on the 4391, which is a good thing. So there's our bit of arcane knowledge for today!

And while we're on the subject of true confessions, I must admit I don't always practice what I preach. Over the years, a large amount of miscellaneous stuff has accumulated along the wall next to track 84, behind the wood cars. That's fine as long as they're sitting there, but since they are now often in operation, it's an eyesore. I spent a while policing up the area; some more work will be needed, but it's an improvement. When the policing is done, I'll post a picture.

As promised, one star of Chicago Day was the 1268 operating with the 4290.

And the newly-repainted 714 looks great, trained with the 749. This picture doesn't do them justice. Maybe it's time for a new camera?