Commonwealth Edison 4




Facts and Figures


Current Number4
Railway RepresentedCommonwealth Edison
BuilderAlco/General Electric
Built In1912
Builder's order id3514
Currently in (State)Illinois
--(Locality)Union
Totally out of svc date1962
(Initial retirement date)
Car Typelocomotive
-subtypeGE steeplecab
-designation
Statusoperated often
More infohttp://www.irm.org/player/ce4
Gauge4'8.5"
Constructionsteel
Roof typeAR
EndedDE
Length31'7"
Width10'1"
Height12'8"
Weight120000
#Seatsn/a
#Wheels/Conf.8
Total HP
TrucksAlco Articulated
BrakesGE LT
CompressorCP-28 (2)
ControlGE M (C82A)
MotorsGE 207C (4)
Voltage (if not 600DC)

Locomotive 4 in operation at IRM in 2019
Railroad Picture Archives
photo: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5183997

Locomotive 4 in operation at IRM in 2021
Railroad Picture Archives
photo: http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=5660158

Car History by Frank Hicks


Commonwealth Edison 4
This fairly unremarkable locomotive, while it did not have a spectacular career, is unique in one respect. It is the only surviving GE steeplecab built with articulated trucks. GE only ever built three - two for ComEd and one for the Wilkes-Barre & Hazleton. ComEd 4 spent its entire life switching the Northwest Generating Plant of Commonwealth Edison. Upon retirement in 1962, it and its sister unit 5 were donated to IRM. ComEd 5 was scrapped in 1964 for cash to help IRM pay for its move from North Chicago to Union, but 4 was retained and during the 1970's provided the main motive power for many of the construction and work trains at IRM. It is still used for some workhorse duties and is fully operational.


Ownership History


OwnerCar NumFromToPreservation?Loan?
Commonwealth Edison (Illinois, Chicago)41912 1962 NO NO
Illinois Railway Museum (Illinois, Union)41962 present YES NO


Additional Media

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Locomotive 4 in operation at IRM in 2023
VideoPress
video: https://videopress.com/v/3sIx9lcJ