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The remark on another thread about the Pensy RR coming back reminded me of some of my favorite trains and RRs. I'd love to see the Santa FE and the B&O come back and the Pensy as well. Many happy trips come to mind. Does anyone care to "chip in" with some of their long gone favorites?
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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Where do we start as "I rode 'em all' during the 60's.
I guess by the time I got to ride, the Broadway was my preferred NY-Chi simply because it was all-Pullman, but from the vestiges of the Century, it was easy to see how it once was THE train.
The Panama Limited was always a favorite, even if most of my rides in Parlor Car were Chi-Champaign (did with a few less suds a Kams to ride Parlor).
To the North Pacific, I definitely preferred the North Coast to the Builder.
To the Southeast, the Meteor over the East Coast Champion; Florida Special a "stand-off'.
Corridor services, the New Haven always had more of and more "classier' styled equipment than did PRR, Yes PRR had the Congressional equipmnet, but all too often one was in a heavyweight P-70 even during the '60's.
I was never really all that estatic about the California Zephyr, but there are some "non rail issues' on the plate regarding that.
Chi to LA, I guess the "edge", and it is just that goes to the Super, but the City was a darned fine train. The "Golden State" wasn't even in the running.
In the "overnight" group i.e. 400-500 miles, the SP Lark (San Fran-LA) was just superb, forget all the train hating stuff you may have heard regarding SP, we're talking about one class act.
For a 400 miles "Daylight" run, I really should recuse. But there was something about those "light and airy' natural wood veneered interiors, the impecable food served aboard (consider the "steak sandwich' as a "hold the toast"), the absolutely unique Skytop Parlor Obs ("Cedar Rapids" remains in Class One service with Friends of 261), timekeeping to the minute anywhere en route, many riders liked te Super Dome even if I did not, and enough top tier equipment so that college students, our future passengers, need not be relegated to the likes of "this looks like something out of Dr. Zhivago' (actual comment once made by a frat brother upon observing an IC "student special")....not sure what train I'm talking about...but if anyone knows where I did my railroad career, you will know why I am obliged to recuse.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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Empire State Express, 20th Century Ltd., Commodore Vanderbilt, Super Chief, Chief,and the New York Central excursion fare trains to upstate New York.I never had the opportunity to ride the Pennsy, or New Haven. Wish I did.
Posts: 498 | From: New Hope, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2003
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As a child my mother and I frequently road the Milwaukee Road roundtrip from either Junction City or Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin to Chicago to see my dentist or plastic surgeon. We would ride aboard Train 202 to New Lisbon. During our brief connecting time at New Lisbon we would frequently be able to watch the MSP-CHI Fast Mail arrive/depart before boarding the Afternoon Hiawatha for the remainder of our trip to Chicago. I have many fond memories of time spent watching the passing scenery in the upper level seating area or enjoying a snack in the lower level lounge of the Super Dome which was part of the Hiawatha consist. Returning to Central Wisconsin, we'd typically depart aboard the Morning Hiawatha and connect in New Lisbon with Train 203 destined for Wisconsin Rapids or Junction City. Trains 202/203 usually consisted of 2 coaches and a baggage car lead by a FP-7.
Posts: 13 | From: Dubuque,IA,USA | Registered: Jun 2003
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Mr. Norman, you seem to know a lot about former trains so maybe you can answer this. Was there a train on Santa FE named Scout? I thought I had ridden all their trains between Chi and LA but that name is very vague in my mind. Thanks
Posts: 1577 | From: virginia | Registered: Jun 2005
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According to material within a Wikipedia article (they do not permit URL links to other sites), the Schout operated Chi-LA via Amarillo, but was discontinued during 1948/
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman: For a 400 miles "Daylight" run, I really should recuse. But there was something about those "light and airy' natural wood veneered interiors, the impecable food served aboard (consider the "steak sandwich' as a "hold the toast"), the absolutely unique Skytop Parlor Obs ("Cedar Rapids" remains in Class One service with Friends of 261), timekeeping to the minute anywhere en route, many riders liked te Super Dome even if I did not...but if anyone knows where I did my railroad career, you will know why I am obliged to recuse.
Sounds to me like you're describing Milwaukee Road and the CHI-MSP Hiawatha's. Interestingly, I had the pleasure of 'working' in the 'Cedar Rapids' as a NCDOT volunteer train host. It spent a brief period in business class service (just $8.00 over coach fare.....a STEAL.) on the Piedmont and was a wonderful, wonderful car. Smooth, quiet. Clearly first class. It was known as the 'Mount Mitchell' while in North Carolina.
Mr. Norman, was it the lack of forward vision while seated that made you less than enthusiastic about this car? I will admit that the Budd domes such as what VIA is still using are far better for the rail enthusiast to actually see where he/she is going.
-------------------- David Pressley
Advocating for passenger trains since 1973!
Climbing toward 5,000 posts like the Southwest Chief ascending Raton Pass. Cautiously, not nearly as fast as in the old days, and hoping to avoid premature reroutes. Posts: 4203 | From: Western North Carolina | Registered: Feb 2004
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I'm not old enough to remember any of the great old trains, only experience is with the last years of the New Haven Railroad. Anytime I take a late train on Metro-North back from Grand Central to New Haven I wish for those old velvet spacious sofa seats while crammed into todays vynal bucket seats. Another bit of history. I recently stayed at the Best Western Hotel in Wilmington NC. it is located in the area of the old Train Depots of the Atlantic Coast Line. Remaining buildings have been refurbished to confrence rooms and one now holds a nice Railroad Museum at the head of the driveway of the Hotel, Run with passion of true Railfans with collections of the ACL Seaborn and Chessie, also has some great model train displays througout.
Posts: 516 | From: New Haven, CT USA | Registered: Feb 2005
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quote:Originally posted by notelvis: Mr. Norman, was it the lack of forward vision while seated that made you less than enthusiastic about this car?
Likely, Mr. Presley, it is not only that, but the antiseptic "OR" decor of the MILW Super Domes when compared with our other magnificent equipment.
Pleased to learn you have been aboard the Cedar Rapids.
Posts: 9975 | From: Clarendon Hills, IL USA (BNSF Chicago Sub MP 18.71) | Registered: Apr 2002
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