On June 8, 1968, at Baltimore, Penn Central GG1s 4901 and 4903 lead a 21-car special train carrying 1,146 people and the body of New York Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, assassinated June 5 in Los Angeles while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Crowds thronged the right of way between New York and Washington, and two spectators died at Elizabeth, N.J., when struck by another train as the special passed. The journey ended up consuming twice the scheduled 4 hours.
Herbert H. Harwood Jr. photo
Robert F. Kennedy’s funeral train
The extra time was not the fault of Penn Central however, logisitics and the several accidents along the way at up the clock.