"Royal Palm": A Floridian Vacationer's Train
Last revised: August 25, 2024
By: Adam Burns
The Royal Palm was one of the earliest named passenger trains to serve the Midwest-Florida market. From the beginning the Southern provided top-notch service with the train and while it predominantly operated mostly over home rails, south of Jacksonville, Florida the Florida East Coast carried the Palm into Miami.
The earliest version of the train always carried run-through sleepers from the New York Central. However, to keep up with demand the Southern also started a seasonal, spinoff service known as the New Royal Palm.
Despite being streamlined this train had a short lifespan and was discontinued after only a few years. The original Royal Palm carried on within the Southern's fleet for many years.
Through the 1960's services were reduced and when the train was discontinued, just a little over a year before Amtrak, it is essentially a coach-only affair.
Southern Railway's Train #3, the "Royal Palm," fuels up at the Summerset, Kentucky division point on April 11, 1963. Roger Puta photo.History and Route
The Southern's Royal Palm has a history which dates back to November, 1913. Even during its earliest days the train still operated with run through equipment owned by the NYC and worked in conjunction with the FEC to Miami.
In the 1920s, the train was upgraded with heavyweight cars and sleepers and continued to maintain top level service for Floridian travelers.
Interestingly, during the 1930s and early 1940s, when the streamliner era was in full swing, the Royal Palm maintained its heavyweight status and steam power.
The Southern would have likely upgraded the train during the early '40s if it was not for the World War II conflict that caused new construction to be suspended.
The train retained this heavyweight status nearly until 1950. Directly after the war, the Southern placed orders with the Budd Company for new equipment for the Palm, as well as new diesel locomotives from Electro-Motive.
Timetable (1952)
Additionally, the railroad decided to inaugurate another train over the
route, the seasonal New Royal Palm which would operate only during the wintertime (which resulted in the Palm losing its streamlined status and operated heavyweights until the summer season returned).
Both trains departed from Cincinnati Union Terminal to much fanfare on December 17, 1949. The Southern spent a great deal of effort marketing the new train with advertisements like:
"Are you planning a trip? Take the luxurious, winter season, streamlined train New Royal Palm to Atlanta, Chattanooga, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago, Toledo, Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland, Buffalo, and Toronto."
Timetable (November, 1930)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Chicago Section - New York Central/Big Four Route) | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Chicago Section - New York Central/Big Four Route) |
|---|---|---|
| 9:50 PM (Dp) | 7:35 AM (Ar) | |
| 2:55 AM | 1:45 AM (Ar) | |
| 6:50 AM (Ar) | 11:55 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Detroit Section - New York Central/Big Four Route) | Location | Time/Arrive (Detroit Section - New York Central/Big Four Route) |
| 11:20 PM (Dp) | 7:50 AM (Ar) | |
| 1:05 AM | 6:05 AM | |
| 5:05 AM | 1:30 AM | |
| 5:45 AM | 12:55 AM | |
| 7:20 AM (Ar) | 11:30 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Buffalo Section - New York Central) | Location | Time/Arrive (Buffalo Section - New York Central) |
| 7:25 PM (Dp) | 12:45 PM (Ar) | |
| 8:21 PM | 11:50 AM | |
| 8:43 PM | 11:27 AM | |
| 9:26 PM | 10:45 AM | |
| 10:23 PM | 9:48 AM | |
| 12:20 AM | 7:30 AM | |
| 4:15 AM | 3:25 AM | |
| 7:45 AM (Ar) | 11:45 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Southern Railway) | Location | Time/Arrive (Southern Railway) |
| 8:30 AM (Dp) | 10:00 PM (Ar) | |
| 7:30 AM (Dp) | 9:00 PM (Ar) | |
| 9:35 AM | 6:50 PM | |
| 4:00 PM (Ar) | 11:20 AM (Dp) | |
| 4:10 PM (Dp) | 11:05 AM (Ar) | |
| 8:20 PM (Ar) | 7:15 AM (Dp) | |
| 8:30 PM (Dp) | 7:00 AM (Ar) | |
| 9:30 PM (Dp) | 8:00 AM (Ar) | |
| 11:45 PM | 5:50 AM | |
| 4:15 AM | 1:20 AM | |
| 7:30 AM (Ar) | 10:10 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Miami Section - Florida East Coast Railway) | Location | Time/Arrive (Miami Section - Florida East Coast Railway) |
| 9:10 AM (Dp) | 9:00 PM (Ar) | |
| 10:05 AM | 8:05 PM | |
| 4:40 PM | 1:50 PM | |
| 6:40 PM (Ar) | 12:01 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (St. Petersburg Section - Seaboard Air Line) | Location | Time/Arrive (St. Petersburg Section - Seaboard Air Line) |
| 10:00 AM (Dp) | 8:25 PM (Ar) | |
| 12:15 PM | 5:58 PM | |
| 3:01 PM | 3:10 PM | |
| 3:40 PM | 2:35 PM | |
| 4:50 PM | 1:15 PM | |
| 4:55 PM | 1:09 PM | |
| 5:45 PM (Ar) | 12:30 PM (Dp) |
The standard New Royal Palm featured a consist that included coaches, a diner-lounge, sleeper, and a sleeper-buffet-lounge observation.
At Cincinnati the train would pick up its through sleepers owned by the New York Central, which typically came from regional trains the Michigan Special and Ohio Special.
These additional cars included sleepers, of course, as well as lounges and coaches. Of note, the Southern also operated another train on the same route as both the Palm and New Royal Palm, the Ponce de Leon. This train began operations in 1924 and ran a reversed schedule of its two counterparts.
The train always operated with heavyweight equipment and was finally pulled from service in the mid-1960s. The interiors of both Palms featured classic Floridian scenes helping to invoke the sense of warm weather, white sands, and sunny skies.
Timetable (January, 1951)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #309/New York Central) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #302/New York Central) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11:30 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 7:00 AM (Ar) | |
| 11:50 PM | 10 | 6:35 AM | |
| 12:17 AM | 34 | 6:00 AM | |
| 1:00 AM (Ar) | 57 | 5:20 AM (Dp) | |
| 1:15 AM (Dp) | 57 | 5:00 AM (Ar) | |
| F 2:07 AM | 93 | 4:00 AM | |
| 2:34 AM | 111 | 3:20 AM | |
| F 3:02 AM | 136 | ||
| 3:35 AM (Ar) | 160 | 2:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 3:45 AM (Dp) | 160 | 2:00 AM (Ar) | |
| 4:08 AM | 178 | 1:36 AM | |
| 4:30 AM (Ar) | 192 | 1:15 AM (Dp) | |
| 4:35 AM (Dp) | 192 | 1:10 AM (Ar) | |
| 5:20 AM | 218 | 12:35 AM | |
| F 5:36 AM | 228 | F 12:14 AM | |
| 5:52 AM | 238 | 12:01 AM | |
| 6:34 AM | 265 | 11:26 PM | |
| 6:50 AM (Ar) | 270 | 11:15 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Train #410/Except Saturday/New York Central) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #437/Except Saturday/New York Central) |
| 11:45 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 7:30 AM (Ar) | |
| 11:56 PM | 6 | 7:15 AM | |
| 1:10 AM | 54 | 6:10 AM | |
| 1:45 AM | 54 | F 5:10 AM | |
| 2:40 AM | 129 | 3:45 AM | |
| 4:20 AM (Ar) | 193 | 1:55 AM (Dp) | |
| 4:40 AM (Dp) | 193 | 1:35 AM (Ar) | |
| 220 | F 12:51 AM | ||
| 5:37 AM | 240 | 12:25 AM | |
| F 6:25 AM | 280 | ||
| 8:00 AM (Ar) | 302.5 | 11:55 PM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Train #417/New York Central) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #442/New York Central) |
| 12:15 AM (Dp) | 0.0 | 6:55 AM (Ar) | |
| 12:25 AM | 6 | 6:37 AM | |
| F 1:40 AM | 66 | F 5:20 AM | |
| 2:00 AM | 75 | 5:02 AM | |
| 2:20 AM | 79 | 4:50 AM | |
| 3:30 AM (Ar) | 137 | 3:30 AM (Dp) | |
| 3:50 AM (Dp) | 137 | 3:15 AM (Ar) | |
| 4:55 AM (Ar) | 182 | 2:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 5:05 AM (Dp) | 182 | 1:58 AM (Ar) | |
| 5:50 AM | 207 | 1:20 AM | |
| 6:20 AM | 228 | 12:38 AM | |
| 7:10 AM | 255 | 12:01 AM | |
| 7:25 AM (Ar) | 260 | 11:50 PM | |
| Time/Leave (Train #5/Southern Railway) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #6/Southern Railway) |
| 8:30 AM (Dp) | 270 | 10:15 PM (Ar) | |
| 9:10 AM | 352 | 7:30 PM | |
| 4:00 PM (Ar) | 608 | 2:15 PM (Dp) | |
| 4:10 PM (Dp) | 608 | 2:05 PM (Ar) | |
| 7:40 PM (Ar) | 761 | 10:30 AM (Dp) | |
| 7:50 PM (Dp) | 761 | 10:10 AM (Ar) | |
| 9:50 PM (Ar) | 848 | 8:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 10:00 PM (Dp) | 848 | 8:00 AM (Ar) | |
| 4:05 AM (Ar) | 1110 | 1:50 AM (Dp) | |
| Time/Leave (Train #5/Florida East Coast Railway) | Milepost | Location | Time/Arrive (Train #6/Florida East Coast Railway) |
| 4:25 AM (Dp) | 1111 | 1:30 AM (Ar) | |
| 5:01 AM | 1148 | 12:48 AM | |
| 5:43 AM | 1215 | 12:01 AM | |
| 5:54 AM | 1221 | 11:54 PM | |
| 6:27 AM | 1236 | 11:32 PM | |
| F 6:59 AM | 1265 | F 10:47 PM | |
| 7:18 AM | 1285 | 10:28 PM | |
| 7:39 AM | 1305 | 10:08 PM | |
| 8:15 AM | 1339 | 9:37 PM | |
| 8:34 AM (Ar) | 1353 | 9:23 PM (Dp) | |
| 8:40 AM (Dp) | 1353 | 9:15 PM (Ar) | |
| 9:03 AM | 1372 | 8:50 PM | |
| 9:18 AM | 1386 | 8:32 PM | |
| 9:46 AM | 1410 | 8:07 PM | |
| 9:59 AM | 1417 | 7:51 PM | |
| 10:13 AM | 1428 | 7:37 PM | |
| 10:24 AM | 1436 | 7:26 PM | |
| 10:33 AM | 1444 | 7:17 PM | |
| 10:46 AM | 1452 | 7:05 PM | |
| 10:59 AM | 1459 | 6:53 PM | |
| 11:25 AM (Ar) | 1455 | 6:30 PM (Dp) |
Perhaps the most impressive feature of each train was the sleeper-buffet-lounge observation. These cars were built by Pullman-Standard and featured a split-level design with large rear windows that was somewhat unique within the industry.
Passengers were also treated to incredibly scenic views through the Appalachians when traveling south of Cincinnati as the trains passed through the Southern's famed "Rathole Division" (Cincinnati, New Orleans & Texas Pacific) to Chattanooga, so-named for the numerous tunnels spread out along the line.
Consist (1952)
From a scheduling standpoint the Palm was able to cover the route between Cincinnati and Jacksonville in just under 20 hours (roughly 820 miles); after departing Cincinnati at 8:30 A.M., arrival time in Jacksonville was usually at 4:05 A.M. the following day.
From that point the FEC carried the train the final 366 miles in about 7 hours arriving in Miami by around 11:25 A.M. that same day.
Southern F3A #6704 is tied down with what's left of the "Royal Palm" at Valdosta, Georgia on October 11, 1966. American-Rails.com collection.Final Years
While Southern was highly regarded for its level of service it was not immune to the rapid decline of rail travel during the 1950s.
By 1955, after just six years of service, the Southern pulled the New Royal Palm from its timetable and applied all of its equipment to the Palm.
By 1960 the Palm lost its NYC through sleepers as well as its connections with the FEC to Miami (the train now terminated at Jacksonville).
By 1967 the train was all but dead; while still on the timetable Southern only operated it as a coach-only run between Cincinnati and Atlanta, long gone were the days of full service and on-board meals.
Ultimately, the train would not survive Amtrak's start as the Southern canceled it entirely by January 31, 1970.
Recent Articles
-
Grand Trunk Western 4-6-2 No. 5629
Feb 13, 26 12:10 AM
Included here is a detailed look at 5629’s build date and design, key specifications, revenue career on the Grand Trunk Western, its surprisingly active excursion life under private ownership, and its… -
New York Easter Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 01:19 PM
New York is home to several Easter-themed train rides including the Adirondack Railroad, Catskill Mountain Railroad, and a few others! -
Missouri Easter Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 01:13 PM
The beautiful state of Missouri is home to a handful of heritage railroads although only one provides an Easter-themed train ride. Learn more about this event here. -
Arizona's Wild West Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 01:05 PM
Let's delve into the captivating world of Arizona's Wild West train adventures, currently offered at the popular Grand Canyon Railway. -
Missouri's Wild West Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 12:49 PM
In Missouri, a state rich in history and natural beauty, you can experience the thrill of a bygone era through the scenic and immersive Wild West train rides. -
Maine's Tea Tasting Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 12:42 PM
Tea trains aboard the historic WW&F Railway Museum promises to transport you not just through the picturesque landscapes of Maine, but also back to a simpler time. -
Pennsylvania Tea Tasting Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 12:09 PM
In this article, we explore some of the most enchanting tea train rides in Pennsylvania, currently offered at the historic Strasburg Rail Road. -
Nevada St. Patrick's Day Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 11:39 AM
Today, restored segments of the “Queen of the Short Lines” host scenic excursions and special events that blend living history with pure entertainment—none more delightfully suspenseful than the Emera… -
Minnesota Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 12, 26 10:22 AM
Among MTM’s most family-friendly excursions is a summertime classic: the Dresser Ice Cream Train (often listed as the Osceola/Dresser Ice Cream Train). -
Wisconsin's Wild West Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 10:54 PM
Through a unique blend of interactive entertainment and historical reverence, Wisconsin offers a captivating glimpse into the past with its Wild West train rides. -
Georgia's Wild West Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 10:44 PM
Nestled within its lush hills and historic towns, the Peach State offers unforgettable train rides that channel the spirit of the Wild West. -
North Carolina's Wild West Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 02:36 PM
North Carolina, a state known for its diverse landscapes ranging from serene beaches to majestic mountains, offers a unique blend of history and adventure through its Wild West train rides. -
South Carolina's Dinner Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 02:16 PM
There is only location in the Palmetto State offering a true dinner train experience can be found at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. Learn more here. -
Rhode Island's Dinner Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 02:08 PM
Despite its small size, Rhode Island is home to one popular dinner train experience where guests can enjoy the breathtaking views of Aquidneck Island. -
New York Tea Tasting Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 01:56 PM
Tea train rides provide not only a picturesque journey through some of New York's most scenic landscapes but also present travelers with a delightful opportunity to indulge in an assortment of teas. -
California Tea Tasting Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 01:37 PM
In California you can enjoy a quiet tea train experience aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train, which offers an afternoon tea service. -
Tennessee Tea Tasting Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 01:19 PM
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… -
Maine Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 11:58 AM
The Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad & Museum’s Ice Cream Train is a family-friendly Friday-night tradition that turns a short rail excursion into a small event. -
North Carolina Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 11, 26 11:06 AM
One of the most popular warm-weather offerings at NCTM is the Ice Cream Train, a simple but brilliant concept: pair a relaxing ride with a classic summer treat. -
Pennsylvania "Wild West" Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 12:04 PM
The Keystone State is home to a variety of historical attractions, but few experiences can rival the excitement and nostalgia of a Wild West train ride. -
Ohio "Wild West" Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 11:34 AM
For those enamored with tales of the Old West, Ohio's railroad experiences offer a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. -
New York "Wild West" Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 11:23 AM
Join us as we explore wild west train rides in New York, bringing history to life and offering a memorable escape to another era. -
New Mexico Murder Mystery Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 11:12 AM
Among Sky Railway's most theatrical offerings is “A Murder Mystery,” a 2–2.5 hour immersive production that drops passengers into a stylized whodunit on the rails -
New York Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 10:09 AM
While CMRR runs several seasonal excursions, one of the most family-friendly (and, frankly, joyfully simple) offerings is its Ice Cream Express. -
Michigan Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 10, 26 10:02 AM
If you’re looking for a pure slice of autumn in West Michigan, the Coopersville & Marne Railway (C&M) has a themed excursion that fits the season perfectly: the Oktoberfest Express Train. -
Ohio Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 10:07 PM
The Ohio Rail Experience's Quincy Sunset Tasting Train is a new offering that pairs an easygoing evening schedule with a signature scenic highlight: a high, dramatic crossing of the Quincy Bridge over… -
Texas Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 02:07 PM
Texas State Railroad's “Pints In The Pines” train is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience the line: a vintage evening departure, craft beer samplings, and a catered dinner at the Rusk depot un… -
Michigan's ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 01:47 PM
Among the lesser-known treasures of this state are the intriguing murder mystery dinner train rides—a perfect blend of suspense, dining, and scenic exploration. -
Virginia ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 01:39 PM
Among the state's railroad attractions, murder mystery dinner trains stand out as a captivating fusion of theatrical entertainment, fine dining, and scenic travel. -
Florida Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 01:25 PM
Among the Sugar Express's most popular “kick off the weekend” events is Sunset & Suds—an adults-focused, late-afternoon ride that blends countryside scenery with an onboard bar and a laid-back social… -
Illinois Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 09, 26 12:04 PM
Among IRM’s newer special events, Hops Aboard is designed for adults who want the museum’s moving-train atmosphere paired with a curated craft beer experience. -
Tennessee Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 08, 26 10:46 AM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
Wisconsin Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 08, 26 10:35 AM
The East Troy Railroad Museum's Beer Tasting Train, a 2½-hour evening ride designed to blend scenic travel with guided sampling. -
California Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 08, 26 10:33 AM
While the Niles Canyon Railway is known for family-friendly weekend excursions and seasonal classics, one of its most popular grown-up offerings is Beer on the Rails. -
Colorado BBQ Tasting Train Rides
Feb 08, 26 10:32 AM
One of the most popular ways to ride the Leadville Railroad is during a special event—especially the Devil’s Tail BBQ Special, an evening dinner train that pairs golden-hour mountain vistas with a hea… -
New Jersey Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 11:23 AM
On select dates, the Woodstown Central Railroad pairs its scenery with one of South Jersey’s most enjoyable grown-up itineraries: the Brew to Brew Train. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 11:21 AM
Among the North Shore Scenic Railroad's special events, one consistently rises to the top for adults looking for a lively night out: the Beer Tasting Train, -
New Mexico Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 11:18 AM
Sky Railway's New Mexico Ale Trail Train is the headliner: a 21+ excursion that pairs local brewery pours with a relaxed ride on the historic Santa Fe–Lamy line. -
Michigan Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 11:13 AM
There's a unique thrill in combining the romance of train travel with the rich, warming flavors of expertly crafted whiskeys. -
Oregon Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 10:08 AM
If your idea of a perfect night out involves craft beer, scenery, and the gentle rhythm of jointed rail, Santiam Excursion Trains delivers a refreshingly different kind of “brew tour.” -
Arizona Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 07, 26 09:22 AM
Verde Canyon Railroad’s signature fall celebration—Ales On Rails—adds an Oktoberfest-style craft beer festival at the depot before you ever step aboard. -
Pennsylvania Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 05:19 PM
And among Everett’s most family-friendly offerings, none is more simple-and-satisfying than the Ice Cream Special—a two-hour, round-trip ride with a mid-journey stop for a cold treat in the charming t… -
New York Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 12:12 PM
Among the Adirondack Railroad's most popular special outings is the Beer & Wine Train Series, an adult-oriented excursion built around the simple pleasures of rail travel. -
Massachusetts Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 12:09 PM
Among Cape Cod Central's lineup of specialty trips, the railroad’s Rails & Ales Beer Tasting Train stands out as a “best of both worlds” event. -
Pennsylvania Beer Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 12:02 PM
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. -
New York Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 11:56 AM
For those keen on embarking on such an adventure, the Arcade & Attica offers a unique whiskey tasting train at the end of each summer! -
Florida Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 11:51 AM
If you’re dreaming of a whiskey-forward journey by rail in the Sunshine State, here’s what’s available now, what to watch for next, and how to craft a memorable experience of your own. -
Kentucky Whiskey Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 11:49 AM
Whether you’re a curious sipper planning your first bourbon getaway or a seasoned enthusiast seeking a fresh angle on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a train excursion offers a slow, scenic, and flavor-fo… -
Indiana Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 06, 26 10:18 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 an hour away from screens… -
Maryland Ice Cream Tasting Train Rides
Feb 05, 26 10:07 PM
Among WMSR's shorter outings, one event punches well above its “simple fun” weight class: the Ice Cream Train.
