Chicago Aurora & Elgin 321

Dave's Electric Railroads

Built in:1914 by Jewett Car Company
Out-of-service/Retired:1962 (1957)
Type of car:interurban (standard coach)
Current Owner:Illinois Railway Museum(Union, Illinois)

Car History by Frank Hicks


Chicago Aurora & Elgin 321
Car 321 was one of six wood cars built by Jewett for the CA&E. All six cars of this series were originally saved by museums, but car 321 wasn't meant for preservation. It was acquired by IRM for the purpose of scrapping the car to provide electrical equipment for a Milwaukee Electric interurban owned by the museum. While some of the car's interior appointments were disposed of, the car itself was never scrapped but instead was turned into a warehouse. The decision to preserve the car was made during the 1970's, and in 1977 restoration of 321 was made possible when parts were acquired from identical car 318. Car 318 had been destroyed in a wreck, but interior components salvaged from it were allocated to car 321. The car is operational and complete, but the body is in poor condition and most interior appointments are in storage. The car is currently on display.

Ownership History:Aurora Elgin & Chicago #321 1914-1922 / Chicago Aurora & Elgin #321 1922-1962 / Illinois Railway Museum(Union, Illinois) 1962-present



Facts and Figures


Status:stored inoperableGauge:4'8.5"
Construction:woodRoof type:RREnded:DE
Length:54'0"Width:8'7"Weight:100000#
#Seats:52#Wheels/Conf.:8 (B-B)Total HP:560
Trucks:Baldwin 84-35AABrakes:AMM (M23)Compressor:D3-F
Motors:[GE 254A (4)]Voltage (if not 600DC)

PHOTO PHOTO