Checks can be sent to:  R. Donald Ross, 3821 Crater Lake Ct, Irving, TX 75062-4015

Under Construction

Indiana Trolley Lines

Index A-F

This line was not really an interurban since it ran from downtown Indianapolis for 6 miles to Beech Grove, which is barely outside the Indianapolis city limits. It looped south of the business district and never made it to the Traction Terminal.

It was built in 1911 and lasted until late 1937 with a 10 cent fare. It was finally closed when Indianapolis Railways cut off its power for non-payment. The original cars were said to be former Winona RR cars.

202 was built by Jackson & Sharp, as Winona Interurban Ry 42.  It was sold as BGT 202 in 1911.

404 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in June 1923, #2740.

501 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in December 1922, #2665, as Cincinnati Georgetown & Portsmouth Ry 501.  It was sold as BGT 501 in 1927.

502 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in December 1922, #2665, as CG&P 501.  It was sold as BGT 501 in 1927.

205 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in 1928, #2985, as Indianapolis & Southeastern RR 205.  It was sold as BGT 205 in 1935.

220 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in 1928, #2985, as I&SE 220.  It was sold as BGT 220 in 1935.

We have a separate page on this system.

This company proposed in 1906 to build a double track electric railroad in a straight line from Chicago to New York. Passengers would be hauled behind streamlined electric locomotives at an average speed of 75 miles per hour. Towns near the route would be served by branch lines. The first construction was the branch from La Porte to South La Porte and was opened in 1907. Construction on the main line began in 1907 and completed 15 miles by 1911 between South La Porte and Goodrum. Ties were placed for third rail, but "temporary" overhead wire was installed over the single track which was off center to allow for double track. Two standard interurban combines were purchased with Chicago painted on one end and New York on the other end. One of the cars lasted until 1948 in service on the Milwaukee Electric.

At Goodrum there was a connection to Gary.

Promotion came thru a publication called Air Line News which was offered free. Most of the investors were individuals who had little experience. "The Air Line Stockholders' Association of the World" was formed and local meetings were held in some 50 locations. But the company went bankrupt in 1915. Parts of the line were taken over by Gary Railways, but the 15 mile super railroad was abandoned in 1917.

Seth Bramson came across a post card mailer offering a free subscription to Air Line News.

401 was built by Niles in 1907 as Goshen South Bend & Chicago 401. This line was known as the Chicago-New York Air Line. It became Gary & Interurban 401 and was sold to the Milwaukee Northern in 1920 and rebuilt as 51. In 1930 it was rebuilt as The Milwaukee Electric Ry & Light Co 1103 for used on the Rapid Transit. It was repainted in 1943, retired in 1947, and scrapped in 1948. It was the last wood interurban to operate in regular service in Wisconsin.

Index.  

We have a full page on this line.

103 was built by St Louis Car Co in 1917. It was sold and rebuilt as Indiana Service Corp 327 in 1927 and became Indiana RR as 327 in 1932. It was retired in 1937.

The Decatur station is still there and is a store.

Fort Wayne & Indiana Traction Co.

506 was built by St Louis Car Co in 1917.  It became Indiana Service Corp 506 in 1920 and sold as St Petersburg Municipal Ry 118 in 1942.

507 was built by St Louis Car Co in 1917.  It became ISC 507 in 1920 and sold as SPM 119 in 1942.

508 was built by St. Louis Car Co in 1917.  It became ISC 508 in 1920. It came to Cornwall Street Ry as 33 in 1945.

148.

302 was built by Cincinnati Car Co in May 1906. #550.  It became Indiana Service Corp. 302 in 1920.

504 "Talisman" was built by Cincinnati Car Co in March 1905, #315.  It became ISC 354 in 1920 and Indiana RR 354 in 1930.  It was retired in 1932 and the body became a home.  It was recovered by Illinois Railway Museum 1991 and restored as 504.

Fort Wayne-Lima RR

Fort Wayne Van Wert & Lima Traction Co.

1.

33.

35.

91 through 96 were built by St. Louis Car in May, 1923, under order 1314A. When the line was abandoned in 1932, Oklahoma Rys acquired 92 through 96 and put 4 into service as 221 through 224. 91 became a cottage and the body was acquired by Illinois Railway Museum in 1988.