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The NYC 20th Century Limited

The NYC 20th Century LimitedThe NYC 20th Century Limited

No other train fired the imagination of the American public like New York Central's 20th Century Limited. Its exclusive clientele and blistering schedule between New York and Chicago made it the stuff of legends for 65 years. A favorite with business and industry leaders, its luxurious accommodations - including a red carpet on the platform at New York - also attracted stars of stage and screen, further fueling the train's celebrity status and romantic image.

A typical consist in the late 1940s would include the following (the actual number of sleepers would change daily to meet demand, and the train usually ran in two sections):
  • E7 A-B Diesel Set (used for entire trip)
  • One RPO/Baggage
  • Five 4-4-2 Sleepers
  • Three 10-6 Sleepers
  • One Lounge
  • One Dorm/Kitchen
  • One Full Diner
  • Three 13 Double-Bedroom Sleepers
  • ATSF 10-6 or 4-4-2 Sleeper
  • One Observation/Lounge


Starting in 1946, ATSF and NYC offered run-through service so coast-to-coast passengers wouldn't need to change trains at Chicago; Santa Fe cars went east on the "20th Century," while New York Central 4-4-2 Bridge and 10-6 River sleepers went west on the "Chief."

  The Walther's 9 car set represents at least 1 car the 1948 consist:
  932-9317  Railway Post Office - Baggage #5017-20 w/60' Postal Apartment
  932-9311  "…Bridge" Series 4-4-2 Sleeper
  932-9315  "…Bay" Series 22-Roomette Sleeper
  932-9313  "…River" Series 10-6 Sleeper
  932-9314  "Port…" Series 12 Double-Bedroom Sleeper
  932-9316  68-Seat Full-Length Dining Car #400-03
  932-9318  Kitchen-Dormitory #474-75
  932-9310  "…Shore" Series Club-Lounge
  932-9312  "…Creek" Series 5 Double Bedroom Buffet-Lounge-Observation