The 400 Story: Chicago & North Western's Premier Passenger Trains

Three midwestern railroads introduced luxury passenger service in 1935, competing for Chicago-Twin Cities business and leisure travelers. Chicago and North Western’s modern, sleek, and fast rail line began with a conventional steam—powered train dubbed the “400” and named after its ambitious schedule: “400 miles in 400 minutes.” In 1939, it evolved into an even faster diesel—powered streamlined train, eventually expanding into a fleet of streamliners that served Wisconsin, Minnesota, and up...