CTA cab ride videos

Being a former Chicago native, having grown up there as well, and.....having enjoyed many, many El trips, I subscribed. I see they just added historical footage. Definitely a plus. I miss my trips on the "baldies"..the sights and sounds. Theres no sound like those traction motors grinding up to track speed ala the late great North Shore Line. Miss that too...I am showing my age.

If it weren't for the winters, Id be tempted to move back..

I feel the same way, Bruce. Unfortunately, I'm still here dealing with the winters. Right now, however,  its much worse in Buffalo or the UP.

Fond memories as my first run was out of the Jefferson Park station which was the end of

the line before the extension to Ohare,

It was a 6000 series train no Ac back then and the window job in the yard was a real pain as well hand rolling them all up on assigned tracks each night.

Was on the extra board at the time until enough seniority was had to pick in my classification

as a switcman,

There were 2 of us that opened the Orange Line with no passengers other than picking up the Gov and Mayor etc on the way back from the Loop at the Pulaski station along with what look like a few body guards.

On the approach to Midway Station Trk 1 there was a huge sheet of paper strung from roof to track with a big orange dot painted on it and the superintendent assured me there was no other train in the pocket, the paper easily came away and i recall many camera's flashing as i came through.

After wards they made speeches which we all attended and all had a nice lunch.

Lake St line was fun as the trains 2000 series were not governed down at the time and would hit 70mph between stations passing cars on the Dan Ryan.

Many stories and things i have seen thru out career including a few friends injuries/deaths in the yard from the 3rd rail.

Worked 4 lines at various times.

All in the past now and enjoying retirement.

Retired Member ATU Local 308

That was pretty cool.  I think I would go bonkers if I were the driver going thru the tunnels.  It was like strobe lights in there.  I realize it was sped up but.  Loved the music.

Rick

Cool story, Dieseler...thanks for posting. The mayor and governor then were Daley the Second and Jim Edgar.

Glad you guys like these....I think they're pretty good.

Brings back a lot of memories...as well. That was a great story. I remember when the Lake Street line was at ground level through Austin and Oak Park. When I was a kid riding the El from there to Marshall Fields at Christmas was a great adventure to see the Christmas displays and have lunch in the Oak Room with my grandparents...A lot sure has changed..glad to see the upgrades.