These cars abound at trolley museums, but photos of them in real service are not seen too often:http://abpr.railfan.net/abprphoto.cgi?february04/02-01-04/CA+E309atWarrenvillePRW.jpg

I wouldn't exactly characterize their numbers as an abundance, but there is a handful. This particular car, #309, is not far from home CA&E rails, having found a home at IRM.

Yes, the 309 is at IRM and is operational. Only last Sunday she was sunning herself behind the Electric Car Shop (Barn 4) and receiving some finishing touches of blue paint on the sill and added lettering. Congratulations to the father and son Hicks team for the fine work on this car.Bob Kutella

This photo was taken on May 19, 1957, during the last fan trip before regular passenger service was stopped on July 3. There are lots of pictures from this fan trip, but this is probably my favorite.Actually, I'd say the CA&E was very well photographed during operation. All three of the cars I'm working on have several exterior photos available over the years, so we can be sure we get the details correct for a particular period. Unfortunately, interior photos are hard to come by, I must admit.And the 309 will next be operating on Labor Day, Sept. 5. Don't miss it!