Chicago Line Toy Company

The address on the boxes reads PO Box 2176, LaGrange, IL, 60525. Interesting to note that the boxes say Assembled in USA. Note, not Manufactured in USA. Two maroon cars illustrated below are numbered 1611 and 1612, corresponding with the model numbers on the boxes. Both are lettered Chicago Line RR. Two blue cars are numbered 3228 and 3230, both lettered US Coast Guard. Note that two of the models in the photos seem to have swopped boxes - all four models and boxes were being offered by the same eBay seller.

Some boxes and cars are numbered in the 32xx series, whereas others are 16xx. Photos are not always as clear as they might be - is it true to say that all maroon flat cars are numbered 16xx, whereas blue flat cars are numbered 32xx? Add to that the three olive drab cars, in the 32xx series.

How large was the entire range? How long ago did production commence, and cease? I understand that cars were advertised, and available, in 1990. CTT magazine reviewed lamps in 1994 (see below).

David Doyle advises that the cars were produced by Dennis Hevrin(?), with production peaking around 1990. Mr Hevrin ceased production some time before his subsequent death.

Cars of which I am aware :

1617 Flat Car with Farm Equipment	1617 Flat Car with Farm Equipment	3223 Flat Car US Navy
3228 Flat Car USCG	3228 Flat Car USCG	3228 Flat Car USCG
3229 Flat Car USCG	3230 Flat Car USCG	3230 Flat Car USCG
3230 Flat Car USCG	3230 Flat Car USCG	3230 Flat Car USCG
3230 Flat Car with Tootsie Toys	3230 Flat Car with Tootsie Toys	3230 Flat Car with Tootsie Toys
1612 Flat Car with Boat	1612 Flat Car with Boat	1612 Flat Car with Boat
1670 Tank Car	1670 Tank Car	1670 Tank Car
1670 Tank Car	1670 Tank Car	1670 Tank Car
1607 Tank Car	1607 Tank Car	1607 Tank Car
1607 Tank Car	1607 Tank Car	1607 Tank Car
1607 Tank Car	USMC Flat Cars

The November 1994 issue of Clasic Toy Trains magazine carried a review of Chicago Line No. 37 Boulevard Lamps, and described them as replicas of Lionel's No. 35. The lights are described as 6 1/8th inches high, and available in aluminum, gray, green or black. Made in USA.

Boulevard Light No. 37	Boulevard Light No. 37	Boulevard Light No. 37
Boulevard Light No. 37	Boulevard Light No. 37	Boulevard Light No. 37

Finally, very many thanks to David Doyle, Joseph Frances, Bill Fuller, Penn Hess and Bill Trappen, all of whom have contributed valuable information regarding Chicago Line models.