This recent photo came through on railpictures. She is looking like she is getting regular care.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.p ... 823&nseq=0

Is that an ex-IC electric bilevel behind her to the left? Is there a story behind that?

That is indeed an ex-IC electric bilevel, not sure the exact story behind it.
Les Beckman likely may have an answer to that, I suspect it's similar to the reasoning for the same type of cars at North Judson.

As regards the entire Mendota operation, they're pretty good on the cosmetic upkeep there,, been through a number of times in the last 8-10 years,, the engine and other equipment always has looked well maintained.

I think it was all about increasing capacity on fast commuter trains so platforms and coach yards wouldn't need expanding.......Metro Chicago would be my guess.

Kind of a non-exciting story, but real practical railroading.

dave

The Mendota museum has done a nice job of maintaining CB&Q 4978 and the wooden "Q" waycar. Their Milwaukee Road branch line combine is a very nice restoration. Those two pieces of equipment represent two of the three Class 1s that operated through Mendota at one time. Their SP diner is a work in progress and, of course, is not representative of Mendota railroading. I believe the former IC electric cars were obtained (probably at a very good price) so as to represent the third Mendota Class 1. We all know that these specific cars never operated within 80 or so miles of Mendota but they are off of the "correct" railroad. Bill Greenwood, a long time, now retired, CB&Q and BN official, calls Mendota his hometown and has been instrumental in helping this relatively young museum along.

I was out in Mendota a few weeks ago on the Harley (probably the final nice riding day of 2009) and rode past the museum. In addition to the wreath adorning 4978's smokebox, "Polar Express" was temporarily lettered onto the street side of the O1a's tender. I suspect that the local movie house was going to run "The Polar Express" for the local citizens' enjoyment the following weekend. If you ever are in Mendota, you'll enjoy a stop at the museum. I have always found the volunteers to be helpful and very accommodating.

Don C.

A few years ago Metra rid itself of almost all its smooth-sided bilevel equipment for a pricetag very close to free. So, these cars have wound up in several places - including Michigan, Washington, and New Jersey - that they never operated in.

Chris.

The bi-level cars at Mendota are electric MU cars, of which Metra has only sold about a dozen and still operates well over 100 examples. Most of the Metra bi-level cars knocking around are ex-C&NW locomotive-hauled cars equipped for HEP. I believe that of the dozen electric MU "Highliner" cars that Metra sold, two went to Mendota, four to Hoosier Valley and the remaining six to Boone & Scenic Valley.

What is puzzling is that they sold off a bunch of stainless steel cars. I believe these are the original gallery commuter cars (ex-CB&Q). Considering they have ended up buying back carbon steel ex-C&NW cars from VRE I think they have demonstrated poor planning to keep cars in reserve.

As an electric line rider it is my fervent wish that they decide since they have no idea when funding is coming for more of those horrible* Nippon-Sharyo cars they decide to put the St. Louis & Bombardier Highliners through another life extension rebuild.

* horrible in space and comfort, and loading efficiency compared to the existing cars and an unfortunate consequence of Metra's single-minded obsession that the cars on this line MUST be exactly like cars on the other lines (with propulsion grafted on) despite the ex-IC being somewhat transit-like. FWIW I also think the Highliners, designed in the 1960's, actually look more modern than the new cars.

Steve