In 1968 the NYC merged with its former rival, the Pennsylvania Railroad, to form Penn Central (the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad joined in 1969). That company soon went bankrupt and was taken over by the federal government and merged into Conrail in 1976.
The 20th Century Limited was an express passenger train operated by the New York Central Railroad from 1902 to 1967, during which time it would become known as a "National Institution" and the "Most Famous Train in the World".
The 20th Century was known for its style, which has been described as "spectacularly understated ... suggesting exclusivity and sophistication". As well as for its speed, passengers walked to and from the train on a plush, crimson carpet which was rolled out in New York and Chicago and was specially designed for the 20th Century Limited: thus, the "red carpet treatment" was born.
As soon as Fairbanks Morse had announced the introduction of its new "C-Line" series of diesel electric locomotives in 1948, the New York Central Railroad placed the intitial order for them. At the time they were the most powerful diesel units available on B-B trucks, with 2400 horsepower.
