Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee 251




Facts and Figures


Current Number251
Railway RepresentedChicago North Shore & Milwaukee
BuilderJewett Car Company
Built In1917
Builder's order id
Currently in (State)Illinois
--(Locality)Union
Totally out of svc date1963
(Initial retirement date)
Car Typeinterurban
-subtype"Silverliner" combine
-designation
Statusoperated occasionally
More infohttp://www.irm.org/player/cnsm251
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionsteel
Roof typeAR
EndedDE
Length56'1"
Width8'8"
Height12'6"
Weight91000
#Seats24
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP560
TrucksBaldwin 84-30A
BrakesAMU (M23)
CompressorGE CP28
ControlWH HLF (28A)
MotorsWH 557A5 (4)
Voltage (if not 600DC)

Car 251 in operation at IRM in 2005
Illinois Railway Museum
photo: https://www.irm.org/gallery/CNSM251/aaa

Car 251 in operation at IRM in 2011
Flickr
photo: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thomas-merton/5965283235/

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


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
Chicago North Shore & Milwaukee (Illinois, Highwood)2511917 1963 NO NO
Illinois Railway Museum (Illinois, Union)2511963 present YES NO


Additional Media

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Car 251 in operation at IRM in 2021
YouTube
video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Kt2PLF0VaM