We find Train 805 on S 6th Street, between W Washington and Scott Ave, in Milwaukee (1962)

North Shore Electroliners

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In the mid-20th century, the Electroliners emerged as a symbol of innovation and elegance for the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee for their route between Chicago and Milwaukee and on the streets of the two cities.

As a quick, luxurious, and – flashy – way to travel by rail, the Electroliners became a beloved part of Chicago and Milwaukee history. They made the journey quick and comfortable and did it with a style that caught stares from those the trainsets passed, and captured the hearts of those who stepped aboard.

The North Shore advertised their new streamlined Electroliners as soon as they arrived in early 1941.

History and Development

The story of the Electroliners begins in the late 1930s, when the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad went looking for ways to reignite public excitement in its interurban service. Inspiration was just 300 miles south, at the Illinois Terminal Railroad. The IT had launched streamlined trainsets which had increased ridership. The North Shore liked what they saw and went to the same builder for the Electroliners. The St. Louis Car Company meticulously crafted these trainsets – some served almost 40 years.

With their streamlined design, the Electroliners were not just built; they were engineered to glide smoothly at high speeds, marrying form and function. The introduction of these trains marked a renewed era for the railroad, setting new standards for style, comfort and performance for interurbans.

Iconic Design and Features

The Electroliners stood out with their art deco-inspired streamlined design, a hallmark of modern engineering during their time. These streamliners boasted a sleek, aerodynamic body that enhanced their visual appeal and improved their operational efficiency.

A close up of the nose of a restored Electroliner showing the many Art Deco lines and features.
Close up of a restored Electroliner showing the many Art Deco lines and features. Photo by Michael Barera via CC by SA 4.0

The exterior was crafted from steel, when all of the North Shore’s older trainsets were wood. This gave them a distinctive look and allowed the Art Deco flourishes. Inside, features included custom-designed interiors that maximized passenger comfort. Each car was fitted with cushioned, reclining seats, ample legroom, and large windows that offered panoramic views of the landscape. 

The integration of climate control systems was a novel feature then, ensuring that passengers enjoyed a comfortable environment regardless of the weather outside. Air Conditioning was quite a draw for customers.

The Electroliners also incorporated early versions of automated systems, such as electric door mechanisms and signal-based control modules, which increased safety and efficiency on every journey. Another standout feature was a streamlined control cab, which enabled smoother operation and faster response times from the train’s crew.

Operational History

The Electroliners came “on property” and made their first runs in February 1941, revolutionizing travel between Chicago and Milwaukee. These trains, distinctive for their speed and comfort, served as the backbone of the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad’s service, becoming an essential part of the daily commute for many.

CNS&M Electroliner on South 5th Street near West Orchard Street in Milwaukee, 1962.
Electroliner on Milwaukee’s S. 5th Street near W. Orchard Street (Roger Puta, 1962)

These trainsets had to be quick, comfortable – and flexible in their operations. The route between Chicago and Milwaukee ran through picturesque landscapes and speeds could easily reach 80 miles an hour. But, the Electroliners also had to navigate the streets of the two cities and even the “L” in downtown Chicago. The Electroliners handled town, city and country with ease.

Despite the success of these streamliners, the broader challenges facing the Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee, and more broadly the nation’s interurban rail service, led to the North Shore dropping lines, starting in 1948 and then the end line, with the North Shore shutting down in 1963. However, it wasn’t the end of the line for the Electroliners.

They found a new life on the Red Arrow Lines, serving the Philadelphia area, which allowed them to continue their legacy of efficiency and speed. Here, they operated on key suburban routes, further cementing their role in American mass transit history until their final retirement in the late 1970s.

The North Shore's Electroliners in their next life in Philadelphia on the Red Arrow Lines. (Drew Jacksich photo via CC by SA 2.0)
After the North Shore, Electroliners lived on in Philadelphia. (Drew Jacksich via CC by 2.0)

Cultural and Historical Impact

The Electroliners redefined interurban and commuter transportation in the Midwest. Commuters relied on these sleek streamliners for quick, reliable service that turned a lengthy trip into a swift, enjoyable ride. Beyond utility, these trains became a cultural icon, featured on postcards and promotional materials that highlighted their speed and elegance, symbolizing modern progress.

Anecdotes from the era reflect a fondness for the “dinner train” service, where travelers enjoyed meals while zipping through the countryside, a novel experience at the time on relatively short runs. Dinner on trains was almost universally reserved for the “name trains” of the larger railroads, like the New York Central’s 20th Century Limited and the Pennsylvania Railroad’s Broadway Limited.

Preservation and Legacy

Despite their final run and retirement from their Philadelphia routes in 1978, you can still see Electroliner trainsets. Enthusiasts and historians recognized the importance of these streamliners and worked to ensure at least some escaped the scrapper.

One of only two restored Electroliners being put back together and readied for display at the Illinois Railway Museum.
The result of long hours of work by the Illinois Railway Museum. Photo by the IRM. Courtesy IRM.

Today, two of the original four Electroliners are preserved; one at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois, and another (Liberty Liner “Independence Hall”) at the Rockhill Trolley Museum in Pennsylvania. These preserved units not only serve as static exhibits but also as pivotal educational tools that convey the evolution of train technology.

The Illinois Railway Museum is restoring their Electroliner trainset to operating condition. In 2022 the museum gave the set a successful test run. The museum plans to operate the Electroliner for the public on their 5 mile Museum Railroad.

The spirit of the Electroliners reminds us that innovation is not just about meeting the needs of the present but also about inspiring the possibilities of tomorrow.

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