Before RSID: <<2026-09-21T08:02Z MFSK-32 @ 14070000+1500>>
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Welcome to program 467 of Shortwave Radiogram.
I'm Al Holt in Alachua, Florida USA.
While Kim is away on vacation, Tony Pavick and I will be covering
for him for the next two weeks with programs about train travel.
Here is the lineup for today's program, in MFSK modes as noted:
2:01 MFSK32: Program preview (now)
3:24 MFSK32: The rise of the American Streamliner train
6:42 MFSK64: Historic American train routes and trains *
25:46 MFSK64: Painting of the Week *
27:43 MFSK32: Closing announcements
* with image(s)
Please send reception reports to radiogram@verizon.net
And visit http://swradiogram.net
We're on Bluesky now: SWRadiogram.bsky.social
And X/Twitter: @SWRadiogram
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The Rise of the American Streamliner Passenger Train
In the early decades of the 20th century, traveling by train was
the principal way Americans made long-distance journeys. Passenger
trains could be luxurious, but many were made up of heavy cars
with traditional designs that had changed little over the years.
That began to change in the 1930s.
The “Silver Age” of passenger trains began in 1934 when the
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad introduced the Burlington
Zephyr, a lightweight, stainless-steel train powered by a
diesel-electric engine. Its streamlined shape and modern
appearance attracted enormous public attention.
The message to America's railroads was clear: the passenger train
could be fast, modern, and exciting. Trains such as the Union
Pacific City of Los Angeles, the Santa Fe Super Chief, and the
Southern Pacific Daylight became rolling advertisements for their
railroads.
Railroads began introducing their own streamliners, often giving
them distinctive names, colors, and interiors.
Streamlining was more than a matter of appearance. Lightweight
construction reduced the weight of the train, while increasingly
powerful diesel locomotives made it practical to replace steam
on many passenger runs. Inside, passengers could find comfortable
seats, dining cars, sleeping accommodations, and in some cases
luxurious lounges and observation cars.
After World War II, streamliner travel reached its peak. Railroads
competed for passengers by offering faster schedules, better food,
attractive interiors, and increasingly sophisticated equipment.
But the Silver Age of streamliners would be relatively brief.
As Americans bought more automobiles and commercial air travel
became increasingly affordable, railroads found it harder to
compete. By the 1960s, many famous streamliners had disappeared.
The streamliner nevertheless left a lasting impression. It
transformed the passenger train from a utilitarian means of
transportation into a symbol of speed, modern design, and the
romance of American travel.
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Shortwave Radiogram now changes to MFSK64...
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Before RSID: <<2026-09-21T08:06Z MFSK-32 @ 14070000+1499>>
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This is Shortwave Radiogram in MFSK64
Please send your reception report to radiogram@verizon.net
Here are some historic trains and routes, as seen through the
travel posters, print advertising, and postcards that promoted
rail travel across America...
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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."
Sending Pic:165x210C;
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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.
Sending Pic:208x119C;
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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.
Sending Pic:151x212C;
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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.
Sending Pic:147x208C;o?
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The California Zephyr
Historic Opegse : 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.
Sending Pic:164x212C;
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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.
Sending Pic:212x128C;
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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.
Sending Pic:164x210C;
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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
silveowarbonnet" locomotives and fine dining.
Sending Pic:212x147C;
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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.
Sending Pic:154x208C;
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Our painting of the week is "Hope Crossing" (2011) by Athena
Mantle. https://tinyurl.com/ycyux4cy ...
Sending Pic:210x153C;
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Shortwave Radiogram returns to MFSK32 ...