Available CRT/CTA Rapid Transit Models in Kit or Other Forms

The topic of what epoxy "L" models have been available came up over the past few days. This seems like the time to post this list.

The list of "L" models was prepared long ago as an extra to the Insull Empire of Traction holdings. Sam Insull's empire included the CRT in the 1910's and 20's. The CTA models are included since the CRT morphed into the CTA in 1947.

For those who are unaware, the Chicago elevated rapid transit system is better known as the "L", and not the "El". The "El" is a New York name for their elevated rapid transit system. The "L" is uniquely Chicago.

The MTH line of Chicago "L" cars is not included. The bodies of the MTH models are slightly oversize compared to O scale models in my list. Also, I have not kept up with what MTH Chicago "L" cars were available. If you are interested in the MTH "L" cars, check the "CTA O Scale L Layout" blog http://ctalayout.blogspot.com/

I don't have a list of CSL/CTA streetcars. If someone prepares a list and shares it with me, it will be posted.

Because a model is listed does not mean an endorsement from me. Some items listed are fantastic while other may be very basic in nature. However, even very basic models with proper finishing can be extremely well done model!

Here is the CRT/CTA "L" list -

Explanation of descriptions used for models:

brass body – unpainted built-up brass body without trucks
brass body w/trucks (non-powered) – unpainted built-up with non-powered trucks
powered brass body – unpainted built-up brass body with powered trucks (RTR)
wood body - unpainted built-up wood body without trucks
urethane body – unpainted built-up urethane body without trucks
“zinc” metal castings kit – a kit composed of “pot” or zinc alloy metal castings
various materials kit – a kit composed of metal stampings or castings, wood, etc. material
soft metal body – unpainted built-up “lead” based alloy body without trucks
epoxy body – unpainted built-up epoxy body without trucks
painted, complete powered model- a ready to run model

(Some knowledge of the manufacturer and/or importer of the model is helpful as they tended to provide all of their models in the same condition.)

CRT/CTA (Rapid Transit)

Type Manufacturer
#1-180 series South Side motor or trail car

Q-Car Company – epoxy body

#1755-1768 series Northwestern “L” wood motor car

Q-Car Company – epoxy body

#1260-1299 series Northwestern “L” wood trail car

Q-Car Company – epoxy body        

#4001-4066 series Cincinnati Car Company steel trail car
           Chicago Traction Models (CTM) - 3-D printed kit

#4067-4250 series Cincinnati Car Company steel motor car
           Chicago Traction Models (CTM) - 3-D printed kit

#4251-4455 series Cincinnati Car Company steel motor car

Q-Car Company – epoxy body

#5000 series Articulate Rapid Transit Car

             The Car Works – powered brass model

#1-50 series St. Louis Car Co. PCC rapid transit car (single unit)

            Q-Car Company – epoxy body

The Car Works – brass body w/trucks (non-powered)

#6000-6200 series St. Louis Car Co. PCC rapid transit car (married pair)

            Q-Car Company – epoxy body          
            The Car Works – brass body w/trucks (non-powered)

#6001-6200 series 1950 St. Louis Car Co. PCC rapid transit car (married pair)

SPTC built-up car complete (non-powered)

#6123-6130 series 1950 St. Louis Car Co. PCC rapid transit car (married pair)

equipped with trolley poles in 1955/56-60

SPTC built-up car complete (non-powered)

#6127-6130 series 1950 St. Louis Car Co. PCC rapid transit car (married pair)

in “Hot Rod" paint scheme equipped with trolley poles in 1960-64

SPTC built-up car complete (non-powered)

#2001 series 1964 CTA Pullman-Standard rapid transit car (married pair)

SPTC built-up car complete (non-powered)

NOTE - Some of Q-Car's early Chicago PCC rapid transit married pair cars in epoxy were models with both ends of the cars being "A" ends instead of "A" and "B" ends.

Cheers,
Ed