"Western Star": GN's Secondary Seattle Train
Last revised: August 24, 2024
By: Adam Burns
When the streamliner craze hit the country in the mid-1930s it took the
Pacific Northwest railroads some time to adopt the new
service to their fleets, partly the result of World War II.
The first to do so was the Great Northern which updated its venerable Empire Builder in the late 1940s. The railroad again purchased new equipment for the train in the early 1950s which allowed it to unveil a brand new consist at that time, the secondary Western Star.
This train would compete loosely with the Northern Pacific's Mainstreeter and provided intermediate services that its flagship did not. The train proved quite successful for GN, in part due to the resounding success and publicity generate by the railroad's flagship service.
The Great Northern spent years advertising the Builder across the country, particularly in the streamliner era. You could find the train featured in magazines, newspaper, and even on television. The Star remained on the timetable through the end and was not discontinued until the startup of Amtrak in 1971.
Photos
In this Great Northern publicity photo the eastbound and westbound "Western Star" meet at Whitefish Lake, Montana. Author's collection.History
Of the three transcontinental railroads serving Seattle and the Puget Sound (the others being the Milwaukee Road and Northern Pacific), the Great Northern offered the most prolific passenger services to and from the region.
Along with the Empire Builder there was the Oriental Limited (until 1951) and the Star. Additionally, the GN's Dakotan connected the Twin Cities to North Dakota and the railroad had numerous services into Canada particularly on the west coast.
Since 1900 the Builder was the GN's crack train between Seattle and Chicago although to reach the two cities required the help of ally road Chicago, Burlington & Quincy between the Twin Cities and Chicago.
The train was initially streamlined in February, 1947 with new equipment from Pullman-Standard, and then again updated in the late spring of 1951.
Great Northern’s Western Star in front of the St. Cloud State Reformatory in St Cloud, MN; May, 1966. Photographer unknown, Rick Burn collection.At A Glance
51 Hours, 45 Minutes 46 Hours, 40 Minutes |
|
47/27 (Westbound) 24/28 (Eastbound) | |
King Street Station (Seattle) Union Station (Chicago) |
After this latest round of equipment upgrades the Great Northern decided to inaugurate a secondary run between Seattle and Chicago, known as the Western Star, which debuted on June 3 of that year (the same date as the new Builder's inauguration).
The train's consist included a single coach, Day-Nite coaches, a lounge-coffee shop, diner, two sleepers, and a buffet-lounge-observation. Just like the Builder the train was clad in GN's beautiful passenger livery of orange and green.
The Star beat the Northern Pacific's Mainstreeter by a year although both trains served a very similar function; "mop up" duty carrying anything needed or required such as intermediate stops.
A Great Northern publicity photo featuring the "Western Star" along Montana's Flathead River, circa 1940's. Bob/Ira Spring photo.The Star also gained the status as the primary train providing passengers access to the Glacier National Park, a task it continued to carry nearly through the end of its days.
As to be expected the Star's schedule was somewhat slower than its more prominent counterpart although not nearly as one might think. The train could make the run between Seattle and Chicago between 39 and 40 hours, only two hours slower than the Builder, and carried an average train speed of nearly 45 mph.
Consist (1952)
This schedule was more than seven hours faster than the NP's Mainstreeter. Given that the train was the GN's primary tourist service in the Northwest its busiest time of year was usually the summer months when the peak travel period between June and August saw the Star sometimes grow to five or more additional cars.
Throughout most of its service the Star was listed on GN's timetable as train's #3 (westbound) and #4 (eastbound). During the early 1960s a shuffling in passenger operations saw the train renumbered as #27 (westbound) and #28 (eastbound) as noted in the timetable featured above.
Timetable (1952)
One interesting note about the consist mentioned by Mike Schafer and Joe Welsh in their book, Streamliners: History of a Railroad Icon, is that it offered arguably more scenic views of the Rocky Mountains during its daytime run through the territory than the Builder despite the fact that the latter was the only domed transcontinental train offered by the Great Northern.
For power the Star utilized a wide range of power from Electro-Motive Division's FTs, F3s, F7s, and F9s to SDP40s, F45s, and SDP45s during the GN's final years of independent operation.
Timetable (January, 1970)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #47/Burlington) | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #24/Burlington) |
|---|---|---|
| (Monday) 10:45 PM (Dp) | (Thursday) 7:00 AM (Ar) | |
| (Tuesday) 7:15 AM (Ar) | (Wednesday) 10:45 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Train #27/Great Northern) | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #28/Great Northern) |
| (Tuesday) 8:30 AM (Dp) | (Wednesday) 6:30 PM (Ar) | |
| 8:55 AM (Ar) | 6:00 PM (Dp) | |
| 9:05 AM (Dp) | 5:50 PM (Ar) | |
| 10:50 AM (Dp) | 4:05 PM (Ar) | |
| 12:40 PM (Dp) | 2:15 PM (Ar) | |
| 1:50 PM (Dp) | 1:10 PM (Dp) | |
| 3:20 PM (Dp) | 11:25 AM (Dp) | |
| 5:20 PM (Dp) | 9:30 AM (Dp) | |
| 7:35 PM (Ar) | 7:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 7:50 PM (Dp) | 6:55 AM (Ar) | |
| 10:05 PM (Ar) | 4:25 AM (Dp) | |
| (Tuesday) 9:20 PM (Dp) | 3:15 AM (Ar) | |
| (Wednesday) 12:05 AM (Dp) | (Wednesday) 12:05 AM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 2:40 AM (Ar) | (Tuesday) 9:00 PM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 6:10 AM (Ar) | (Tuesday) 5:15 PM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 3:00 AM (Dp) | (Tuesday) 8:40 PM (Ar) | |
| 4:50 AM (Dp) | 6:55 PM (Dp) | |
| 5:25 AM (Dp) | 6:20 PM (Dp) | |
| F 6:34 AM (Dp) | F 5:10 PM (Dp) | |
| F 8:16 AM (Dp) | F 3:15 PM (Dp) | |
| 8:42 AM (Dp) | 2:45 PM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 9:00 AM (Ar) | (Tuesday) 2:30 PM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 9:10 AM (Dp) | (Tuesday) 2:20 PM (Ar) | |
| 11:35 AM (Dp) | 11:35 AM (Dp) | |
| 12:01 PM (Ar) | 11:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 11:05 PM (Dp) | 10:05 AM (Ar) | |
| 12:33 PM (Dp) | 8:40 AM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 2:15 PM (Ar) | (Tuesday) 7:00 AM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 3:00 PM (Dp) | (Tuesday) 6:15 AM (Ar) | |
| 6:30 PM (Ar) | 2:20 AM (Dp) | |
| 6:40 PM (Dp) | (Tuesday) 2:05 AM (Ar) | |
| 9:44 PM (Ar) | (Monday) 11:10 PM (Dp) | |
| 9:55 PM (Dp) | 10:50 PM (Ar) | |
| 10:20 PM (Dp) | 10:31 PM (Dp) | |
| (Wednesday) 11:00 PM (Ar) | (Monday) 10:00 PM (Dp) |
This Great Northern publicity photo features F3A #357-C leading train #27, the westbound "Western Star," as it passes the Albeni Falls Dam along the Pend Oreille River just east of Newport, Washington during the 1960's.Final Years
As rail patronage declined across the country through the 1950s and into the 1960s the Western Star saw its service cut back and as early as 1954 GN combined it with the Fast Mail between Spokane and Seattle.
Just prior to the Burlington Northern merger the train's typical consist included a few sleepers, a diner providing "budget meals and beverage service" (according to the timetable), and Day-Nite coaches. Its schedule had also slipped nearly 10 hours, completing a Chicago-Seattle run in just over 48 hours.
Through the end, however, the Star
remained part of the Burlington Northern's very brief passenger services with its final
run coming on April 30, 1971, as the next day Amtrak took over intercity
passenger rail operations.
Sources
- Hidy, Ralph W., Hidy, Muriel E., Scott, Roy V., And Hofsommer, Don L. Great Northern Railway, The: A History. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2004 edition.
- Kelly, John. Great Northern Railway: Route Of The Empire Builder. Hudson: Iconografix, 2013.
- Schafer, Mike and Welsh, Joe. Streamliners, History of a Railroad Icon. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
Recent Articles
-
Amtrak’s Maple Leaf – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 07:29 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, border practicalities, and tips for a smooth New York–Toronto trip. -
Leadville Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, what to expect onboard, altitude considerations, and practical tips for a Leadville railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 01:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for foliage and shoulder-season rides. -
East Broad Top Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 21, 26 01:05 PM
This guide covers the passenger experience, what makes EBT unique, practical planning notes, and how it fits into a broader Pennsylvania railroad trip. -
Best Steam-Powered Scenic Train Rides in the Eastern U.S. 2026
Jul 21, 26 11:25 AM
Discover the best steam-powered scenic train rides in the Eastern U.S. for 2026. From Cass Scenic Railroad Shays to Strasburg and other heritage steam operations — schedules, highlights, and tips. -
Best Steam Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Steam Experiences
Jul 21, 26 11:23 AM
Looking for the best steam train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic steam experiences—railroads where live steam is a core part of the product, not a once-a… -
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 21, 26 11:08 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion, special trains, what to expect onboard, and practical tips for planning a Cumberland-area railroad day. -
Amtrak’s Sunset Limited – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the strongest scenic stretches, practical travel notes, and tips for a smooth multi-night trip. -
Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 21, 26 10:43 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, the best coastal stretches, practical tips, and how to use the Surfliner as either a day trip or a link in a longer California rail itinerary. -
Ohio’s LM&M Bourbon Train: Whiskey Tasting on the Rails in Lebanon
Jul 20, 26 02:54 PM
Looking for a bourbon tasting that is not another distillery tour queue? The Lebanon Mason & Monroe Railroad (LM&M) in Lebanon, Ohio, runs adult-oriented Food & Drink trains—and its Bourbon Train is o… -
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train: Classic Dining on the Rails in Bardstown
Jul 20, 26 02:44 PM
For travelers who specifically search “dinner train” (not wine tasting, not murder mystery, not Polar Express), Bardstown is still one of the first names that comes up—and for good reason. -
New Hope Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic product, special trains, what to expect, and how to pair the ride with a day in New Hope. -
Mount Washington Cog Railway: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 02:08 PM
This 2026 guide covers summit and shorter trips, steam vs. biodiesel power, what to expect on the grade, and how to plan around New England’s short, intense peak season. -
Heber Valley Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:41 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main scenic products, special trains, and practical tips for planning a Heber outing. -
Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Guide
Jul 20, 26 01:25 PM
This 2026 guide covers full-line and shorter trip options, what you will see, classes of service, and how to plan a full day on one of America’s great scenic trains. -
Amtrak’s City of New Orleans – Complete Scenic Route Guide 2026
Jul 20, 26 11:25 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, what to watch for, practical travel information, and tips for a smooth one-night trip. -
Best Dinner Train Rides in America (2026): Top Scenic Experiences
Jul 20, 26 11:13 AM
Looking for the best dinner train rides in the United States for 2026? This guide ranks the highest-value scenic dining experiences—trains where the meal is the main event, not just a snack bar—and po… -
Amtrak’s Auto Train – Complete 2026 Passenger Guide
Jul 20, 26 10:59 AM
This 2026 guide covers how the service works, what the ride is like, practical tips for vehicle loading, and who should choose the Auto Train over flying or driving the whole way. -
Tennessee - Tea Tasting - Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:55 AM
If you’re looking for a Chattanooga outing that feels equal parts special occasion and time-travel, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) has a surprisingly elegant answer: The Homefront Tea Roo… -
Indiana -Ice Cream- Tasting Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:45 AM
The Indiana Rail Experience's "Indiana Ice Cream Train" is designed for everyone—families with young kids, casual visitors in town for the lake, and even adults who just want… -
Colorado *Wine Tasting* Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 10:43 AM
To truly savor these local flavors while soaking in the scenic beauty of Colorado, the concept of wine tasting trains has emerged, offering both locals and tourists a luxurious and immersive indulgenc… -
Georgia *Wine Tasting* Train Rides In Cordele
Jul 20, 26 10:22 AM
While the railroad offers a range of themed trips throughout the year, one of its most crowd-pleasing special events is the Wine & Cheese Train—a short, scenic round trip designed to feel like… -
Kansas * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Ride
Jul 20, 26 10:14 AM
Kansas, known for its sprawling wheat fields and rich history, hides a unique gem that promises both intrigue and culinary delight—murder mystery dinner trains. -
New Hampshire * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 20, 26 09:05 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
White Pass & Yukon Route: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:29 AM
This 2026 guide covers the main Summit Excursion and longer options, what you will see, and how to book around the short, intense summer season. -
Verde Canyon Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 20, 26 12:10 AM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a full half-day outing in the Verde Valley. -
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:55 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main Nantahala Gorge and Tuckasegee River style excursions, classes of service, peak seasons, and tips for pairing the train with a Smokies vacation. -
Royal Gorge Route Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:54 PM
This 2026 guide covers the route, classes of service, the best times to ride, and practical tips for a Cañon City / Colorado Springs / Pueblo area day trip. -
Strasburg Rail Road: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 19, 26 11:52 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main excursion product, what to expect onboard, special trains, and practical tips for a smooth family or railfan day trip. -
Santa Fe Railroad (AT&SF): Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Jul 19, 26 08:12 PM
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway was among the earliest and most influential American railroads to embrace diesel-electric motive power. -
America 250 Locomotive Celebration Set for August 28-30 at NCTM
Jul 19, 26 11:22 AM
The North Carolina Transportation Museum, Trains Magazine, and White River Productions have announced the America 250 Locomotive Celebration. -
West Virginia ~ Wild West ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 11:08 AM
While D&GV is known for several different excursions across the region, one of the most entertaining rides on its calendar is the Greenbrier Express Wild West Special. -
Indiana ~ Whiskey Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:56 AM
Among IRE’s most talked-about offerings is the Wine & Whiskey Train—an adults-only, evening-style trip that leans into the best parts of classic rail travel: atmosphere, comfort, and a… -
Arizona ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:45 AM
For those who want to experience the charm of Arizona's wine scene while embracing the romance of rail travel, wine tasting train rides offer a memorable journey through the state's picturesque landsc… -
Iowa ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:39 AM
The state not only boasts a burgeoning wine industry but also offers unique experiences such as wine by rail aboard the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad. -
Florida * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:34 AM
Florida, known for its vibrant culture, dazzling beaches, and thrilling theme parks, also offers a unique blend of mystery and fine dining aboard its murder mystery dinner trains. -
New York * Murder Mystery * Dinner Train Rides
Jul 19, 26 10:19 AM
New York State, renowned for its vibrant cities and verdant countryside, offers a plethora of activities for locals and tourists alike, including murder mystery train rides!" -
Georgetown Loop Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 04:15 PM
This 2026 guide covers the ride experience, mine tour add-ons, best seasons, and how to plan a smooth Denver-area railroad outing. -
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 02:33 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main National Park Scenic experience, bike-and-rail options, special trains, and practical tips for Northeast Ohio visitors. -
Conway Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:57 PM
This 2026 guide explains the main trip types, when to book for fall color, and how to plan a North Conway railroad day that fits families and serious scenery hunters alike. -
Cass Scenic Railroad: Complete 2026 Scenic Train Guide
Jul 18, 26 01:30 PM
This 2026 guide covers the main trips, what makes Cass different from ordinary tourist railroads, and how to plan around weather, grades, and peak foliage season. -
Best Scenic Train Rides in America (2026): Top Routes & Day Trips
Jul 18, 26 12:43 PM
There is no single “best” train—only the best match for your region, season, budget, and whether you want multi-day sleepers or a same-day steam excursion. -
Pennsylvania ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:38 AM
Today, EBT’s rebirth has introduced a growing lineup of experiences, and one of the most enticing for adult visitors is the Broad Top Brews Train. -
North Carolina ~ Beer Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:33 AM
If you’re looking for the most “Bryson City” way to combine railroading and local flavor, the Smoky Mountain Beer Run is the one to circle on the calendar. -
California ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:30 AM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Arkansas ~ Wine Tasting ~ Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:24 AM
This article takes you through the experience of wine tasting train rides in Arkansas, highlighting their offerings, routes, and the delightful blend of history, scenery, and flavor that makes them so… -
Pennsylvania ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:17 AM
Pennsylvania, steeped in history and industrial heritage, offers a prime setting for a unique blend of dining and drama: the murder mystery dinner train ride. -
New Jersey ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jul 18, 26 09:15 AM
There are currently no murder mystery dinner trains available in New Jersey although until 2023 the Cape May Seashore Lines offered this event. Perhaps they will again soon! -
USDOT Releases Phase I Penn Station Service Optimization Study
Jul 17, 26 05:56 PM
The U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration have released the Phase I report of the New York Penn Station Service Optimization Study. -
FRA Expands Automated Track Inspection Tests as CSX Begins Rollout
Jul 17, 26 05:48 PM
The Federal Railroad Administration has green-lighted a broader five-year waiver framework allowing freight railroads to expand Automated Track Inspection (ATI) technology on revenue track.
