Rapido Trains 208517 HO Scale CTA 2600-series L (DC/DCC/Sound): 75th Anniversary White/Green: #2849 + 2850

In 2022, the Chicago Transit Authority celebrated 75 years of unified transit service, marking the occasion with a striking white and green commemorative scheme applied to select 2600-series cars — including #2849 and #2850. The 2600-series themselves, introduced in the early 1980s, were a cornerstone of Chicago’s rapid transit modernization, operating across the city’s storied elevated structure and subway lines for decades. Seeing these stalwart stainless-steel veterans dressed in anniversary colors created an immediate link between postwar transit consolidation and contemporary operations.

This HO scale release faithfully captures that celebratory finish with crisp paint application and accurate striping, while retaining the robust body contours and fluted stainless detailing that define the prototype. Roof equipment, truck sideframes, and underbody components are rendered with the precision advanced transit modelers expect.

Factory-equipped for DC or DCC operation with sound, the model brings authentic rapid transit character to life — from traction motor whine to station-stop ambiance. For those building a modern Chicago layout or curating a representative CTA fleet, this commemorative pair stands as both a historically significant tribute and a visually distinctive highlight within any elevated scene.

NOTE: Preliminary artwork