Central Headlight 4th Quarter 2016
Most NYC enthusiasts will recall that the inaugural runs of Central’s streamlined Empire State Express
occurred on December 7, 1941, a day that all Americans remember as
Pearl Harbor Day. To be sure, there was scant coverage of those first
runs of streamlined Nos. 50 and 51 in the press, as the United States
declared war on Imperial Japan on the following day.
In recognition of the 75th
Anniversary of both events, the principal article in our November issue
discusses the events that led New York Central to develop the 1941 Empire,
provides details of its construction and appearance, and gives some
details about its first runs. Written by rail historian John C. Dahl,
the article is profusely illustrated, and should be welcomed by all who
are interested in passenger train operations.
The
lead article, “Moving a Mountain,” discusses the complex logistics
involved in moving our archives to our new Headquarters, while providing
a few glimpses of the facility as it appeared on moving day. Other
articles recall operations at Tower NW on the Harlem side of the
Electric Division, look at small-town freight operations on the Norwalk
Branch, and explain how an elderly Pacific found her feet on some very
slippery rails. Wrapping up the issue in the holiday spirit, the last
article provides a colorful look at some of New York Central’s classic
Christmas-themed magazine advertising.
