Fine Art Models' NYC 20th Century Limited Observation Car
It was promoted as The Greatest Train in the World. Its extra-fare
opulence, comfort and reliability were intended to impress, and they
did.
Since 1902, the flagship of the New York Central had been the New
YorkÐChicago 20th Century Limited, but the greatest Century of all was
the 1938 streamliner styled by Henry Dreyfuss. In 1937, the New York
Central was among the first railroads to enter the streamliner era with
its ClevelandÐDetroit Mercury. Once that trainÕs appeal was
established, the 20th Century Limited became the next natural candidate
for streamlining.
The NYC hired the 32-year-old Dreyfuss to style this
first, all-private-room train in America using Pullman car designs
shared with the Pennsylvania RailroadÕs contemporary Broadway Limited.
The Century appeared in tasteful tones of gray and blue offset by
complementary tan, copper, and rust colors. Dining and lounge interiors
were sophisticated with rounded shapes and surfaces. The diner was as
elegant as a four-star Manhattan restaurant with other on-board services
equally impeccable. The train had a secretary, a telegraph, valet
service and barber shop. A red carpet was rolled out from the concourse
to train-side for boarding passengers.efore their introduction, more
than 100,000 people walked through Century train sets on display in both
New York and Chicago.
Then, at 5 p.m. on June 15, 1930, the first of
the new trains departed simultaneously from the two cities the same hour
at which the first two new Broadway Limiteds departed. Their arrival
times were likewise identical. At first, the Century operated as a
13-car train, but later expanded to 17 cars and operated in two
sections.
Product Features
- 32" L x 4" W x 5" H
- Limited to only 50 pieces, this Fine Art Models 20th Century
Limited Observation Car is built in a scale of 1:32 and is made entirely
of brass with sprung trucks and ball-bearing axle journals.
- Using the drawings from PullmanÕs original archives, the first
company ever permitted to do so, this Fine Art Models 20th Century
Limited Observation Car is considered the finest example of a passenger
car ever modeled.
- Each Fine Art Models 20th Century Limited Observation Car model
has functional end diaphragms.Ê In addition, the carÕs underbody is
detailed, has full interiors, including lighting, andÊevery door that is
supposed to open, does.
- Each Fine Art Models 20th Century Limited Observation Car model
comes complete with a Mahogany roller base, which gives the appearance
of the model sitting on hand laid ballasted track, and a leaded glass
display case.
Product Details
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