1–50 series (CTA)
| 1–50 series | |
|---|---|
Car 1 at the Seashore Trolley Museum in August 2024 | |
| In service | 1961-1998 |
| Manufacturer | St. Louis Car Company |
| Replaced | 1998 |
| Constructed | 1959–1960 |
| Entered service | 1961 |
| Number built | 50 |
| Successor | 3200-series |
| Fleet numbers | 1–50, later some 61–65 |
| Capacity | 46 seated |
| Operator | Chicago Transit Authority |
| Lines served | Evanston, Skokie Swift, Ravenswood, West-Northwest |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 48 feet (14.63 m) |
| Width | 9 feet 4 inches (2.84 m) |
| Height | 11 feet 10 inches (3.61 m) |
| Entry | Level |
| Doors | 4 (2 per side) |
| Maximum speed | 50 mph (80 km/h) (1-4: 70 mph (110 km/h)) |
| Weight | 49,825 pounds (22,600 kg) |
| Traction motors | 4 × GE 1220F1 55 hp (41 kW) DC motor (except 1-4, various) |
| Power output | 220 hp (160 kW) total |
| Electric systems | Overhead line or third rail, 600 V DC |
| Current collection | Contact shoe or trolley pole |
| Braking systems | Dynamic and friction |
| Track gauge | 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge |
The 1–50 series was a series of Chicago "L" cars built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1959 and 1960. Unlike cars in the similar 6000 series, which were designed for married pair operation, the 1–50 series cars were double-ended to facilitate single car operation. There was a limited need for single cars, however, so cars 5, 7, 9, 11, 15, 19, 21, 23, 24, and 31 were later rebuilt as married units and were renumbered 61a/b–65a/b.