From its launch in 1902, New York Central’s 20th Century Limited was arguably the most prestigious train in America. With its all-first-class passenger accommodations, the Century was the way to travel between New York and Chicago. By 1938 the train’s reputation was well established when it was completely re-equipped with new streamlined Alco locomotives and Pullman-Standard cars. Styled by Henry Dreyfuss, the ’38 Century was a landmark of American industrial design. It was also the great train’s high-water mark.
In 1942, a typical Century consist looked like this:
1st car: Railway Post Office/baggage
2nd car: Crew dormitory/passenger lounge
3rd car: 17-roomette sleeper
4th car: 17-roomette sleeper
5th car: 10-roomette/5-double-bedrooom sleeper
6th car: 4-double-bedroom/4-compartment/2-drawing-room sleeper
7th car: Diner
8th car: Diner
9th car: 4-double-bedroom/4-compartment/2-drawing-room sleeper
10th car: 10-roomette/5-double-bedrooom sleeper
11th car: 13-double-bedroom sleeper
12th car: 4-double-bedroom/4-compartment/2-drawing-room sleeper
13th car: Observation/buffet/lounge/deluxe-suite sleeper