Shortwave Radiogram images

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The 20th Century Limited
Historic Operator: New York Central Railroad
Original Route: New York City to Chicago, IL
Legacy: Often called the most famous train in the world, this express service catered to business tycoons and the elite starting in 1902. Passengers walked onto the train along a literal red carpet in New York, which originated the phrase "the red-carpet treatment." link

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The Orange Blossom Special
Historic Operator: Seaboard Air Line Railway
Original Route: New York City to Miami/St. Petersburg, FL
Legacy: Running from 1925 to 1953, this winter-only luxury train brought wealthy Northerners down to Florida's booming resorts. It was famous for carrying fresh Florida citrus on board and inspired a legendary bluegrass fiddle tune. link

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The South Shore Line
Historic Operator: Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad
Original Route: Chicago, IL to South Bend, IN
Legacy: Operation started in 1912. It promoted passenger rail travel to Notre Dame football games. The South Shore Line is one of the last surviving interurban railroads in the United States. The system had a ridership of about 5,900 per weekday as of the first quarter of 2026. link

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The Empire Builder
Historic Operator: Great Northern Railway
Original Route: Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA / Portland, OR
Legacy: Launched in 1929 and named after railroad tycoon James J. Hill, this route opened up the Pacific Northwest. It was designed specifically to showcase the remote wilderness of Glacier National Park. link

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The California Zephyr
Historic Operators: Chicago, Burlington & Quincy (CB&Q); Denver & Rio Grande Western (D&RGW); Western Pacific
Original Route: Chicago, IL to Oakland/San Francisco, CA
Legacy: Debuting in 1949, this train popularized Vista-Dome cars -- passenger cars with glass domes on top. The route was purposely scheduled so passengers would traverse the Colorado Rockies and California's Feather River Canyon during broad daylight. link

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The Broadway Limited
Historic Operator: Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR)
Original Route: New York City to Chicago, IL (via Pittsburgh)
Legacy: The fierce, direct rival to the 20th Century Limited. It raced across the Allegheny Mountains and was legendary for its strict punctuality, art deco interiors, and premium all-room sleeping accommodations. The name, though spelled as "Broadway", honored the PRR's four-track "broad way" main line. link

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The City of New Orleans
Historic Operator: Illinois Central Railroad
Original Route: Chicago, IL to New Orleans, LA
Legacy: Inaugurated in 1947, this daytime train became a cultural icon by cutting straight through the Mississippi Delta. Its affordable coach fares made it a vital link for the Great Migration and inspired the famous 1971 folk song. link

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The Super Chief
Historic Operator: Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Original Route: Chicago, IL to Los Angeles, CA
Legacy: Known as "The Train of the Stars," this ultra-luxury streamliner was a favorite of Hollywood celebrities in the 1930s and 1940s. It was famous for its sleek silver "Warbonnet" locomotives and fine dining. link

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The Crescent
Historic Operator: Southern Railway
Original Route: New York City to New Orleans, LA (via Atlanta)
Legacy: Operating since the late 1890s under various names, this was the pinnacle of Southern rail hospitality. For decades, it ran as an "All-Pullman" train, carrying only premium sleeping cars. link

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Our painting of the week is "Hope Crossing" (2011) by Athena Mantle. https://tinyurl.com/ycyux4cy

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