Indiana Trolley Lines

Don's Rail Photos

Indiana Trolley Lines

Beech Grove Traction Co.

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 1938 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, but it ended with Cincinnati curved side cars from the Cincinnati Georgetown & Portsmouth and the Indianapolis & Southeastern. Here are a couple of those cars.

Chicago & Calumet District Transit Co.

Calumet Railways

Hammond Whiting & East Chicago Ry.

We have a separate page on this system.

Chicago-New York Electric Air Line RR

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.

Chicago South Shore & South Bend

Chicago Lake Shore & South Bend

CLS&SB Passenger Cars.

Insull Era Passenger Cars.

Present Day Passenger Cars.

Electric and Diesel Locomotives.

Non-Revenue Equipment.

Evansville & Ohio Valley Ry.

Southern Indiana Gas & Electric Co.

We have a full page on this line.

Fort Wayne & Decatur Traction Co.

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.

Fort Wayne Van Wert & Lima Traction Co.

Some of their cars went to Oklahoma.

Indianapolis & Cincinnati Traction Co.

Indianapolis & Southeastern RR

We have a full page on this line.

Indianapolis Columbus & Southern Traction Co.

102 was built by American Car & Foundry in 1907. It became Intersate Public Service Co 302 in 1912 and rebuilt by AC&F in 1920. It went to Indiana RR as 302 in 1930 and retired in 1939.