| Chicago & North Western Railway E9BA 502 a little south of Fullerton Avenue crossing the North Branch of the Chicago River on an unknown day in April 1982, Kodachrome by Chuck Zeiler. By this date the locomotive and cars (except the first two) are in the employ of the Regional Transportation Authorrity (RTA), leased back to the C&NW for operation and maintenance. The first two cars (single level club cars, aka 'banker's cars') are privately owned by Commuter Associates, Inc. for their exclusive use. Club car service began on the C&NW's commuter lines on April 1, 1929 with a single heavyweight converted coach numbered 6700. As the coach wore out, it was replaced over time, but the replacements were assigned the number 6700. Eventually the service expanded and at its peak (around 1965) it consisted of four cars: 6700, 510, 553, and 555. The last three car numbers related to time; 510 was the historic departure time, 533 and 555 were the arrival times at Lake Forest and Lake Bluff respectively. As service declined, the service demanded less cars, but one remained in service as of the year 2009. Note also that the colors are changing on the equipment, and the club cars will eventually be repainted in RTA colors. |