USPS on 26 August 1999 issued a series of stamps called "All Aboard" stamps. These five stamps (four shown here) featured the luxury trains from America's past: the Southern Pacific Railroad Daylight; the Pennsylvania Railroad Congressional; the New York Central 20th Century Limited; the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad Hiawatha; and the Santa Fe Super Chief. During the 1930s and 1940s, before automobiles and airplanes dominated travel in the United States, these trains and others like them carried passengers in great luxury. The original first day issue was released from Cleveland, Ohio.
Congressional
The slogan for the Congressional's route between New York and Washington was "Every Mile Electrified!" In 1935, design- er Raymond Loewy improved the looks of its GG-1 locomotives and restyled its cars' interiors. The Public Works Administration assisted the route's conversion to electricity.
Hiawatha
Traveling over 100 miles per hour on its twice-daily run connecting Chicago, Milwaukee, and the Twin Cities, the Hiawatha was known as the "Fastest Train in America." In 1938, designer Otto Kuhler streamlined its F-7 steam loco- motives in multiple colours.
20th Century Limited
The 20th Century Limited was called a "National Institution" and the "Most Famous Train in the World." With its superfast 16-hour schedule between Chicago and New York, it catered to business travelers. In 1938, designer Henry Dreyfuss redesigned its J-3a steam locomotives and Pullman cars.
Super Chief
Preferred train of Hollywood's elite traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles via Albuquerque, the Super Chief was known as the "Train of the Stars." Starting in 1937 with the E-1 type, diesel locomotives with a distinctive red-and-silver warbonnet design pulled luxurious stainless steel cars.
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