cta5000s_rendering-Ext.jpg (515k) A computer rendering of the 5000-series CTA railcars shows their exterior, which is very similar to the 3200-series cars. Differences include some minor changes in the window arrangement near the sidedoors and the use of LED destination signs. (Image courtesy of Bombardier Inc.)
	cta5000s_rendering-Int.jpg (726k) This computer rendering of the 5000-series CTA railcars shows the cars' interior design. Note the use of longitudinal seats, overhead stanchions with straps, LED destination signs, and flooring with glow-in-the-dark striping. (Image courtesy of Bombardier Inc.)
	cta5001a.jpg (125k) The first 5000-series prototype cars, unit 5001-02, are being towed by a Canadian Pacific locomotive from the Bombardier assembly plant in Plattsburgh, NY to the company's test track approximately two miles away on January 27, 2009. The cars underwent extensive testing in the shops and on the test track and were first powered up the next day, January 28. (Photo by Don King)
	cta5012d.jpg (121k) Car 5012, one half of the first 5000-series prototype unit delivered to CTA, is seen arriving by tractor trailer on September 24, 2009. The car is on Oakton Street just west of Skokie Shops. The cars are transported and delivered individually, then re-connected into married pairs at CTA.
	cta5011e.jpg (114k) The first 5000-series prototype unit from Bombardier to be delivered to CTA was 5011-12. The cars were transported individually by truck, as is now common practice even for rapid transit railcars. Car 5011 is seen coming through the front gates of CTA's Skokie Shops facility on September 24, 2009.
	cta5012e.jpg (169k) Car 5012 is seen inside Skokie Shops  with its mate, 5011, un September 30, 2009. The cars were re-mated once they arrived on CTA property and began a battery of tests and diagnostics inside the shop. Once passing these tests, the cars were tested on the shop's test track, then on system routes.
	cta5011f.jpg (185k) Still undergoing testing before being released onto the "L" system for additional diagnostics, the first 5000-series prototype unit, led by car 5011, is seen on the test track at Skokie Shops on October 1, 2009.
	cta5011a.jpg (119k) Unit 5011-12 is in testing on Track 1 midday on October 20, 2009, while the track has no scheduled service. Car 5011 is on the north end of the pair, which is seen at Bryn Mawr. The cars' systems underwent testing for months, including tests to their propulsion and braking systems. (Photo by David Harrison)
	cta5011b.jpg (90k) The exterior of the 5000-series railcars is very similar to that of the 3200-series cars. One minor difference is the side window behind the motorcab, which is da smaller half-width window on the 5000s due to the presence of a dedicated air duct between the window and the sidedoors to the left. In previous cars, air was venting through the door pocket. Car 5011 is seen on October 20, 2009. (Photo by David Harrison)
	cta5011c.jpg (85k) One of the new features of the 5000-series railcars are the LED destination signs, replacing the mylar roller curtains that generations of Chicagoans have come to know. The digital signs allow greater flexibility and make changes to readings cheaper and quicker to implement. A side sign on car 5011 is seen on October 20, 2009. (Photo by David Harrison)