Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 251

Built in:1917 by Jewett Car Company
Out-of-service/Retired:1963
Type of car:interurban ("Silverliner" combine)
Current Owner:Illinois Railway Museum(Union, Illinois)

Car History by Frank Hicks

Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 251 Of the only two surviving North Shore combines, this car is by far the more interesting. Built by Jewett in 1917, car 251 operated until 1963 and in the process ran more miles than any car ever operated by the North Shore - approximately two million. It underwent several minor rebuildings which altered the size of the baggage compartment. In 1952, following a serious wreck in Racine, the car underwent a major rebuilding which converted it into a "Silverliner". Faux fluted stainless-steel sides were painted on and the interior was modernized; 251 was the only combine to receive this treatment. After the North Shore was abandoned in 1963 it was acquired by IRM, which made the car operational in the mid-1970's and later repainted it in its "Silverliner" colors. It is operational but is only used occasionally due to low seating capacity.

Ownership History:Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee #251 1917-1963 / Illinois Railway Museum(Union, Illinois) 1963-present

Facts and Figures

Status:operated occasionally		Gauge:4'8.5"
Construction:steel	Roof type:AR	Ended:DE
Length:56'1"	Width:8'8"	Weight:91000#
#Seats:24	#Wheels/Conf.:8 (B-B)	Total HP:560
Trucks:Baldwin 84-30A	Brakes:AMU (M23)	Compressor:CP-28
Motors:WH 557A5 (4)	Voltage (if not 600DC):

PHOTO PHOTO