2011 IRM Snowflake Special Is Sold Out

Retraining.....You mean this guy in the black and orange cap.... He was on this line with "CO-ACTING" signals.



He had to actually ride to that other end of the line just to see what a "Cockfosters" was, LOL.



Some tube trains had this neat sliding controller.



David

Here's a set of photos I took on the trip the other day: http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidfulla ... 252414205/

Nice set of shots byte, so you really did have fun.... I think I might see another photo spot that needs to be checked out.

"Mind the gap."

David

We have a great time, a big thank you to David and all those who made it happen!

Huzzah!

I just put some photos up on my Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/1958mga/

Question...what is/was this???



CTA Fan/Terry

The round thingy is a train identification coil. Motormen on the old West-Northwest route, Congress-Milwaukee, Douglas-Milwaukee put one on the front of their train. This allowed the automatic interlocking at Loomis JCT to properly line up the switches for their correct route. They looked like toilet seats and that's how they earned their nickname. They're not used anymore, but the cars all still have the holder. IRM personnel like to bring a collection of signs and a "toilet seat" to dress up the train appropriately. The junction at 59th ST on the south side main was automated using alternate flip flop automation. Since trains were always A- B- A- B- A -B; the signals and switches lined up Englewood, then Jackson Park, then Englewood...and so on. On Sunday's charter, we followed a train that went to Ashland/63 because the signals were set to go to East 63. We stopped, cancelled, and selected a route to Ashland. Our manager called control to have them to remind the road train behind us to watch out for the signal settings when they reach 59th ST JCT. Modern day CTA trains have built in transponders for identification at other automatic interlockings.

David Harrison

Some videos from the charter are popping up on youtube already (none of these are mine):


Second train race of the day, from within the train: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jvrEgXVWHI0

Same train race, from the Fullerton platform: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVloPH7ffZg

The charter train's trip through Kimball yard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORavkj10W4U

Snowflake Special pulling into Western on the Orange line: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brxB-LqPXoo

Roll sign cycling at Kimball: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDop1GS8Cxs


Edit: Also, fun fact: Two of the cars (2269-2270) on this year's trip were also on last year's.

Question: What are the "stingers" used for?

Stingers are like 600 v. extension cords. Stingers are found anywhere there is a gap in the third rail long enough to isolate a car. If a two car train should get isolated, one personnel would insert the rod into/on the trolley shoe, then the other personnel would contact the third rail with gusto!! One reason the CTA today doesn't schedule two car trains anymore in off hours, except the Yellow line

David Harrison

My Snowflake Special photos are on this page, starting with the tenth photo.

chuchubob wrote:My Snowflake Special photos are on this page, starting with the tenth photo.

Bob: Excellent CTA pictures here...

I am quite famaliar with the CTA because my Uncle worked for them as a Motorman 1958-1986...

The one thing that I have trouble getting used to is those color names...
The pic showing "Yellow Line" and "Skokie Swift" together is most appropriate here...
I ask "Which would YOU choose ?"

The best site for those interested in the CTA is: www.chicago-l.org
I think that some of these pics would fit right in there...

MACTRAXX

Chuchubob: Since I can NOT edit my previous post allow me to add that I was a regular visitor to Chicago between 1973-1988...

I will also add that I strongly prefer the former CTA line names and not the color names...

I will add that I have made a nickname for the "Pink" line: The "Pepto-Bismol" Line...

The CTA has three large groups of cars that were built in Philadelphia (and vicinity): The 2200s and 2600 series Budd cars
and the Boeing-built 2400 series cars...

I still am getting used to the "bare" 2600 Series cars...I liked their original color scheme and the "I Will: The Spirit Of Chicago" concept...

MACTRAXX