I see that Walters http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/20th_century is taking orders for this famous train circa 1949. It's not the model I saw in the classic 1934 film, "The Twentieth Century," but it probably resembles the one in the 1959 classic, "North by Northwest."
Does anyone here model the 20th Century Limited? I haven't noticed any models for sale until now.
I do not know about any-one else but I have no insterest as I don't model the NYC.Every year I hold my breath for them to come out with the Texas special and they never do.The cars are buitiful though as a friend is getting the CMSP&P set.
The other storied train which I haven't seen models of is the Orient Express. Much of my attraction to trains has been stimulated by films that give train travel an aura of mystery & romance.
Years ago Bachmann sold an "Orient Express" set, it still turns up on ebay. I don't know how accurate it is. Many european makers have also released "Orient Express" sets over the years.
Hamish
The Orient Express has gone through several incarnations. You have to model an era. I believe the current OE is operated by a private company. Before WWII the train was operated by Wagons Litthe French equivalent of Pullman. The final destination was Istanbul or as the french called it "Stanbul."
Thanks for the information.
:)
I also have to admit to a fascination with the Pre-WWII mystery trains such as the Twentieth Century and the elegant Orient Express, and would love to see these sets available in the Bachmann Spectrum DCC ready, product line, with lights and smoke, of course ! I was recently delighted to be able to put together an HO set of the legendary CNJ "Blue Comet", using a the recently released IHC "BC" 4-6-2 Pacific Loco and tender and a "MIB" set of older release, Rivarossi "BC" Passenger cars.
Pete :-)
I did some research and found that the platform scenes in North By Northwest were indeed filmed in Grand Central Terminal but the interior train scenes were on a set in Hollywood.
An interesting fact about the Twentieth Century Limited is that terminal staff rolled out a huge, long red carpet emblazoned with the train name and logo that also appeared on the rear of the observation car.
Wikipedia has a very informative article with pictures: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Century_Limited (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twentieth_Century_Limited)
Would have been great if Walthers had decided to release the set as the 1938 NYC Hudsons fitted with the streamlined casing designed by Henry Dreyfuss. A new Proto Heritage engine would have been welcomed.
Now the release will just be another diesel............
A NYC electric in two tone grey to match the 20th Century Limited would really be nice in HO.
I remember seeing the T series engines with lightening stripe paint scheme and they really looked great. I'm not up on my NYC electrics but I believe they had a Q,R,S and T series; one was made famous in standard gauge by Lionel.
They also used Niagras to pull their crack trains.
IIRC New York City (as opposed to NYC ;D) passed an anti-smoke law in the beginning of the 20th century. This meant that all railroads had to change power before entering the city limits. I think the only place the Central had electric locomotives was in the area of the City.
Gene
In addition to the New York electrification, the Central also had electrics working in Cleveland and in the Detroit River tunnels. Both of these systems were taken down in the 1950's, while the New York City electrification still exists to this day under the ownership of Metro-North Commuter Railroad.
Timothy
Here's a Detroit River tunnel one:
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/nyc7500.jpg)
They also had some in Harmon, NY:
(http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/nyc1529.jpg)
You can find a bunch more here:
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/electric6.html
This song is just for remebering NYC, just one of those songs...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5323200287754581382&ei=maG8SKPSNKXI-wHn0djXDA&q=Tribute+to+Former+NYC+mainline&vt=lf
I remember seeing a special on railroad terminals in New York City . There was a very serious accident in the tunnels under the city caused by the smoke and also reckless human error. After the investigation steam engines were never allowed in the tunnels again.
The FL-9 locomotives were purchased by the New Haven RR so that they didn't have to change locomotives when entering the NYC tunnels. The New York Central changed from electric to diesel at Croton- Harmon.
The Hudson line freights ran diesels in the city. A WPA project enlarged a park to go over the tracks - now called Riverside Park. There were ventilation gratings all up and down the upper levels of the park.
The Pennsy went electric all the way to Harrisburg. I think the NH may have had locomotive facilities in Bridgeport.
Even today the Long Island has dual electric/diesel locomotives running on its non electrified lines.
By the way, speaking of NYC law about steam engines, did you know that the first law requiring a bell on a locomotive was passed in Long Island?
Now why would somebody make up a video to honor the NYC and fill it with modern stuff from long after the giant fell?
Gene
Probably to show the outcome of the great NYC empire. :-\ I think I would be much better with NYC pictures...
i model the 20th century limited but none of the models have satisfied me mainly cause none of them have the scullin disk wheels i like on the hudson
All of Walthers name train so far are diesel powered. Hopefully they will match it with a P2K steam locomotive....someday!
Eventually... ;)
So far no P2K steam locomotive normally pulled a passenger train.
Gene
There were only a few steam engines released in the Heritage line so far.
Makes one realize how many steam engines have been released by BLI and Bachmann Spectrum in comparison.
I am sure if there appears to be a market(profit) that an appropriate Heritage steamer will eventually make its way into the market. And of course the appropriate passenger cars as well.
Like B&M 2-6-0's! :D
Heritage steam seems to similar... I can't put my finger on it but the 2-8-4's, 2-8-8-2's, and 0-8-0's all have a very similar look to them...
There have been some brass NYC Hudsons made in the past with the Scullin disks. Keep your eyes open at train shows--you might find one at a price not too far from today's Bachmann/BLI/P2K models. IIRC, Rivarossi did the streamlined Hudson, but like most all of the older models the drivers were undersized and they didn't run very well.
Perhaps Bachmann in their Spectrum line will release a Hudson steam engine.
I know that Rivarossi was supposed to re-release the Hudson this year - according to their web site. If the did they were few and far, just like their re-released 60' coach sets.
Bachmann certainly seems to be the leader in new steamers, second only to MTH. But then again you can not compare the two.
i hope so i want a reasonably priced loco which is what bachmann is best at
I hope they do reslease a Hudson too. My friends NYC J3r is sputtering that of a Life-Like standard line locomotive. As a matter of fact, it dosen't even run anymore! :o
Perhaps a bit of lubercant... :-\ 'Til then, I guess 'o Hudson is retired... :-\ *shigh*
A Hudson? Which one? NYC? C&O? Milwaukee Road Baltic? Santa Fe?
Concor has a nice generic.
Gene
20th Century Limited Hudson of course
Streamlined or looking like an honest steam loco?
Gene
Something like this, of course
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u134/pdleth/nyc-s5445do.jpg)
It looks like the Hudson I have on my shelf. Is it worth adding DCC. It runs well considering.
Don