This came through on the C&NW list. Thought some of you might be
interested.
Doug Harding
Iowa Central Railroad
www.iowatelecom.net/~dharding/
From: "Dave Mikelson" <Davem@s...>
Subject: The competition
While doing some research today at the Minnesota Historical Society I
took a look at the files of GN's President W.P. Kenney concerning the
start of The 400 in January, 1935.
A GN passenger man took a trip on it during the first week of operation
(in retail they would call it a secret shop). He gave it a great
review. He also attached three leaflets distributed on the train (not
in the file) and a copy of the dining car menu. No word if the UP is
going to ask the BNSF to pay for the stolen menu.
There were letters between the GN, NP, and the Q Presidents. One letter
ends with "Evidently the C&NW "400" is making history."
NP President Charles Donnelly wrote back: "Thank you for letting me
see
the report from your people about the new C&NW "400." This is pretty
tall advertising, but wait till the new Burlington streamlined trains
are launched. We haven't seen nothing yet!"
A letter to Q President Ralph Budd ends with:
"There is no question about the popularity of the train. It is talked
about by everybody, and is very popular, and much used." "I am assuming
that the advent of the two streamline trains on the Burlington will
change this picture."
Apparently the Hill lines were a little concerned about the success of
the C&NW 400. The pressure was on.
Dave Mikelson
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