The Bi-Level "Gallery" cars were first introduced by the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1950. The Chicago and Northwestern Railway would receive their first bi-levels in 1955. The CNW operated these cars in commuter service from the Chicago and North Western Terminal (now Ogilvie Transportation Center) on 3 separate lines.
West to Geneva IL, Northwest to Harvard IL, and North to Kenosha WI.
These lines are still operated and served by gallery cars today, as part of Metra's "Union Pacific" lines.
The Illinois Railway Museum has an entire CNW commuter set preserved in operating condition. Here are photos from my visit in 2017 when the set was operating.
West to Geneva IL, Northwest to Harvard IL, and North to Kenosha WI.
These lines are still operated and served by gallery cars today, as part of Metra's "Union Pacific" lines.
The Illinois Railway Museum has an entire CNW commuter set preserved in operating condition. Here are photos from my visit in 2017 when the set was operating.
Chicago and North Western Railway #411 is an F-7A Diesel Electric Locomotive built by EMD in 1949.
Chicago and North Western Railway Bi-level "Gallery" commuter coaches built by St. Louis Car Company in 1955.
Interior of CNW 1950's era Bi-level "Gallery" Commuter coach.
CNW's first Cab Control car built by Pullman in 1959.
Chicago and North Western F Unit #411 passes through a crossing protected by an operating "wig-wag" signal at the Illinois Railway Museum.
The CNW #411 with a bi-level commuter train is photographed from within a 1900's era Chicago Aurora & Elgin Interurban set.
