Sand Springs 68




Facts and Figures


Current Number68
Railway RepresentedSand Springs
BuilderCincinnati Car Company
Built In1918
Builder's order id2290
Currently in (State)Illinois
--(Locality)Union
Totally out of svc date1960
(Initial retirement date)1955
Car Typeinterurban
-subtypelightweight suburban car
-designation
Statusoperated occasionally
More infohttp://hickscarworks.blogspot.com/2010/07/ss68.html
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionsteel
Roof typeRR
EndedDE
Length40'6"
Width8'3"
Height11'3"
Weight26120
#Seats44
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP100
TrucksCincinnati Arch Bar
BrakesStraight Air
CompressorCP-25C
ControlK-12A
MotorsGE 264 (4)
Voltage (if not 600DC)
NotesOriginally had GE 258C motors

Car 68 in operation at IRM in 2020
Flickr
photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jterry618/50347056086/

Car 68 in operation at IRM in 2012
Flickr
photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/19908866@N03/52037008914/

Car History by Frank Hicks


Sand Springs 68
One of the most significant lightweight interurban cars preserved is this car, built by Cincinnati in 1918. This series of cars is widely regarded as the first true lightweight interurban design and pioneered various features designed to save weight. The car's sides are steel girder design, and the low-profile arch bar trucks and small motors are also designed to save weight. Originally Cincinnati Lawrenceburg & Aurora 918, the car operated out of Cincinnati until the CL&A went backrupt in 1934. At that time the fleet of cars was sold to the Sand Springs Railway in Oklahoma, where it formed the backbone of SS's service for years. When most of the ex-CL&A fleet was scrapped in favor of newer double-truck Birneys, 68 was kept on for use in owl service. Retired in 1956, 68 was the subject of one or two short-lived preservation efforts before being sold to a shortline in Arkansas which attempted to make the car into a locomotive-hauled coach. The conversion didn't get very far; 68's lightweight construction prevented serious buffer forces from being placed on the frame. The car was then sold to a Tulsa scrapyard, from which it was rescued in 1967 by IRM. Brought to Union that year, the car has seen a slow restoration effort over the past several decades. The car's exterior is restored and work on electrical and mechanical components has been ongoing.


Ownership History


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
Cincinnati Lawrenceburg & Aurora (Ohio, North Bend)9181918 1932 NO NO
Sand Springs (Oklahoma, Sand Springs)681932 1956 NO NO
Tulsa Fairgrounds 681960 1966 YES NO
Ozark Mountain Railroad 681966 1967 YES NO
Illinois Railway Museum (Illinois, Union)681967 present YES NO


Additional Media

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Car 68 in operation at IRM in 2023
VideoPress
video: https://videopress.com/v/lGo6dYyg