Illinois Central 1439




Facts and Figures


Current Number1439
Railway RepresentedIllinois Central
BuilderPullman
Built In1928
Builder's order id6193
Currently in (State)Nevada
--(Locality)East Ely
Totally out of svc date1972
(Initial retirement date)
Car Typerapid transit car
-subtypecommuter coach trailer
-designation
Statustowed inoperable
More info
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionsteel
Roof typeRR
EndedSE
Length72'10"
Width10'6"
Height13'0"
Weight90200
#Seats84
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP0
TrucksCommonwealth
BrakesPS
Compressor
ControlGE M (C184A)
Motors
Voltage (if not 600DC)1500vDC
NotesLettered Nevada Northern #08 "Nevada"

Car 1439 in Ely, Nevada, in 2007
Railroad Picture Archives
photo: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=868203

Car 1439 in Ely, Nevada, in 2004
Railroad Picture Archives
photo: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3472830

Car History by Keith Albrandt & Frank Hicks


Illinois Central 1439
This car was part of an order for ten trailers numbered 1431-1440 which was built for the IC's suburban Chicago electrification. It was used on the IC's suburban lines until 1972, when it was replaced by new Highliner cars. At that time it was one of several IC MU cars sold to the CO&E in southern Illinois for use in tourist train service. It was used by the CO&E in this capacity from May 29, 1973 until October 29, 1978, after which the CO&E abandoned all passenger service. During its time on the CO&E this car was named the "Franklin." It was part of the Whistle Stop Special for the reelection of Illinois Governor Jim Thompson in September 1978. Car 1439 was stored until March 1981, when it was sold to MSRR in Amory, Mississippi, where it was used from 1983 to 1986 on steam excursions. In April 1989 it was sold to the L&C in Battle Ground, Washington, but was not used there. In July 1993 the W&P bought it and during the next two years it was used occasional! ly. In mid-1995 car 1439 was acquired by the NN to replace a car damaged in a 1995 collision. For the 2002 Olympic Special to Heber, Utah, the car was given the number 08 and the name "Nevada."


Ownership History


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
Illinois Central (Illinois, Chicago)14391928 1971 NO NO
Crab Orchard & Egyptian (Illinois, Marion)14391972 1981 YES NO
Magnolia State Railroad 14391981 1989 YES NO
Lewis & Clark Railway (Washington, Battle Ground)14391989 1993 YES NO
Nevada Northern (Nevada, East Ely)081995 present YES NO