Chicago L 2600 Series

These are N scale 3D printable files for the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) 2600 Series rapid transit car — the workhorse of the Chicago 'L' system through the 1980s and 1990s, one of the most recognizable rapid transit cars in American urban railroading, and almost certainly the last railcars ever built by the Budd Company. Designed to fit on a Tomytec TM-04/TM-20 mechanism. Available in two liveries: Spirit of Chicago and Natural Metal.

The 2600 Series was built by the Budd Company and delivered to the CTA between 1981 and 1987, eventually totaling 600 cars — the largest single order in CTA history at the time. The Budd Company had been one of the most storied names in American passenger car construction for over half a century, responsible for iconic equipment including the California Zephyr domes, the Pioneer Zephyr streamliner, the Great Dome cars, and stainless steel passenger cars for railroads across the continent. The 2600 Series order came as Budd was winding down its railcar manufacturing operations, and the delivery of the final 2600s in 1987 marked the end of Budd's production history — closing the chapter on one of the most significant manufacturers in the history of American passenger railroading. The 2600 Series thus carries a unique historical distinction: a fleet of Chicago commuter cars that represents the final output of a legendary builder.

Constructed with Budd's signature stainless steel carbody, the 2600s replaced the aging 2000 and 2200 series cars and became the backbone of CTA service across virtually every line in the system, from the Red Line to the Blue Line, the Brown Line, and beyond. Their distinctive corrugated stainless steel flanks and wide windows became the defining visual identity of the Chicago 'L' for a generation of riders.

The two livery options capture distinct chapters in the 2600 Series' history:

• Natural Metal — the 2600s as delivered and operated through most of their service life, in Budd's classic unpainted stainless steel with CTA lettering and route color bands — clean, functional, and unmistakably Chicago.
• Spirit of Chicago — a special commemorative livery applied to select 2600 Series cars celebrating the city of Chicago, featuring a distinctive graphic scheme that made these cars stand out on the 'L' structure and became a beloved part of Chicago transit lore.

The 2600 Series remained in front-line CTA service for decades, with some cars continuing to operate well into the 2000s before being retired as newer 5000 Series cars arrived. Their long service life and ubiquity across the system made them the definitive Chicago 'L' car for an entire era of the city's transit history — and a fitting final legacy for the Budd Company.

After purchase, your digital files will be available for immediate direct download from your order confirmation. These files are for Personal Use Only — if you are interested in a commercial license, please contact us.

Please allow a few weeks for 3D printing and shipping. Decals are shipped separately — please allow some additional time for decal printing and shipping after ordering.