Destination Loop
Subtitle: The Story of Rapid Transit Railroading in and Around Chicago (SGP shortline RR series)
Edition: 1 edition
Publisher: Stephen Greene Pr
Published: December 1982
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 139
ISBN-13: 9780828904803
Subjects: Railroads; Local transit; Transit systems; Chicago Metropolitan Area; Chicago metropolitan area (Ill.); Chicago (Ill.); History; Illinois
Description: DESTINATION LOOP describes all the political maneuvering and financial woes; the 6000 series cars with instant-response mobility and multiple-unit controls the little-known narrow-gauge freight tunnels that operated for half a century until super highway and the trucking industry made them redundant. It provides the full story of the Interurbans, the railway stations, the small boats that carry commuters between the North Western depot and downtown from April to November; the coming of Amtrak and its influence on commuter railroads. In 1938, politicians began agitating for subways to replace the L. Subways came, but the Loop remains. As recently as 1979, Mayor Jane Byrne and Illinois Governor James Thompson agreed that the Loop should be retained and improved. After years of turmoil and struggle, it has cheated the hangman once more. Can it continue to do so? Whether it does or not, its fascinating history is captured here. Includes 85 photographs, maps, track plans, scale drawings of modern L cars.