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"Fortieth anniversary of what" I would dare say many who have only followed passenger train affairs for a short while would say, but Dec 2, 1967 was the final run of The Twentieth Century Limited.
Dec 12, 1967 was the final run of the all-Pullman PRR Broadway Limited, although the name was given to the Coach and Sleeper General. The Central replaced the Century with simply what could be called "the 61-27 Limited" as #61 was the train carrying New York Sleepers and Coaches to Albany to connect with #27 a Boston-Chicago train (formerly New England States0.
Absent being a Home Delivery Subcriiber, I'm not sure to what extent this material from New York Times archives is accessible, but if you are able to access such, here are links:
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I remember reading the sad announcements of the final runs of the 20th Century,and the Broadway Ltds. I thought for sure that was it for traveling by train. Alas several years later Amtrak came to be, but never to exist like rail travel on those famous trains.
palmland Member # 4344
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While the 20th Century Ltd. may be history, it is remarkable that the two signature cars of the train, the beautiful lounge observation cars roll on.
Sandy Creek is now 'New York' and operates on the Grande Luxe train. Hickory Creek was recently restored to its 1948 as built condition (christened by Dwight Eisenhower) for use in charter service. We are indeed fortunate that for a price that considerably exceeds the Pullman Co. fare, we can still ride on these cars today.
The 20th Century was a star in 'North by Northwest' and also featured in the 'Sting'. Thanks to Mr. Norman for reminding us of that great train.
Fortunately I am able to enjoy the train for the holidays, as a friend has an 'O' scale replica of it that we are operating on large Christmas layout in one of the stores in town.
gibg Member # 2565
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I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who rode the Century from Chicago to New York in 1947 (and that's even pre-"North by Northwest" days). Coming home to New York from school in Colorado, I was met in Chicago by a doting aunt who surprised me with the news that we were going to be in a compartment on the Century. It was all I could do to restrain myself until boarding time. My memory is clear and vivid -- the dining car, the observation car, the mid-train lounge. (I did give her the lower berth.) It was a class act, and everything got out of the way for it. Pulling into Grand Central on the stroke of 9:00 a.m. was the cap. The whole thing was quite an experience.
palmland Member # 4344
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You certainly are one of the lucky ones. I assume the Century you rode was the pre-war version, 1938 I believe, as your ride was one year before the newer version. It was truly a classic train.
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