November 3, 1941 Indianapolis IN K5b - 4-6-2 Pacific 4917 on the "James Whitcomb Riley" Gary Overfield Collection
I was taught if you can't say something nice about a subject, then say nothing...Hmmmmmmm! Sorry, but it ain't no Empire State Express, no way, no how. However, I am becoming increasingly awed by your access to a fantastic NYC photo stash, Roger
Amen, Hank. Roger, you have a great collection! Just keep them coming. Those two Pacifics that were streamlined for the Riley bear a resemblance to the Commodore Vanderbilt. I don't know the answer, but wonder if Carl Cantola was involved in the design for the Pacifics? :tb-confused: I just noticed the date, Nov. 3, 1941. The day before my younger sister was born, and two days before my 2nd birthday. Trivia.
Actually they were Henry Dreyfuss' first attempts at streamlined locomotive design. He did these two Pacifics (4915 and 4917) originally for the Mercury. Like the later 20th Century Limited, it was a complete train design - everything down to the china used for the dining service. As patronage of the Mercury trains increased, Hudsons replaced the Pacifics which were then bumped down to the Riley. The tenders received a broad orange stripe to match the window panels on the Riley's passdenger cars. These locomotives must have been quite a sight to see, especially at night, as the drivers and valve gear were illuminated by a series of lights under the shrouds.
Mike, interesting. I wish I had been older at the time so I could have seen all the Central's adventures into streamiling, but that would have made me older now...oops, careful what you wish for. :tb-ooh: And a day after my mother's 38th birthday...two more Sagitarii to toast. Ain't Trivia fun? :tb-cool:
