"Pan American" (Train): Route, Schedule, Consist
Last revised: February 25, 2025
By: Adam Burns
The Louisville & Nashville is not well remembered for its passenger
services although one of its top trains within its fleet was the Pan American,
a fairly successful run for several years although officially never
entirely streamlined (it was, however, upgraded with various equipment
throughout its years of operation).
While most of L&N’s passenger trains were dropped or canceled prior to the creation of Amtrak in the spring of 1971, the American, remained until the end ceasing operations on April 30, 1971 one day prior to Amtrak’s startup.
The railroad's interest in passenger service waned significantly after the 1950's. It was similar to the Southern Pacific, which held the same view of such trains after that time.
In spite of this, the L&N continued fielding respectable service until the end (the same could not be said at SP). The Pan American inspired several songs including "Pan-American, Blues" by DeFord Bailey, "The Pan-American," by Hank Williams, and "Pan-American, Boogie" by the Delmore Brothers.
Photos
Folks have gathered around the final run of Louisville & Nashville's "Pan American," led by E7A #791, awaiting departure from Louisville Union Station on May 1, 1971. American-Rails.com collection.History
The Pan American, (named because of the service Louisville & Nashville provided hauling Central and South American goods through Gulf Coast ports) began as a heavyweight operation in 1921 serving Cincinnati and New Orleans as the railroad's flagship train.
It lost this status in 1947 when the L&N debuted the all-streamlined Humming Bird. Beginning in 1949 the L&N slowly updated the train with older, streamlined equipment (which also included new streamlined sleepers for through service between New York and Memphis/Louisville/Nashville in conjunction with the Pennsylvania).
In 1953 it again received some additional new, through sleepers and in
1955 began occasionally swapping older and new equipment with the Humming Bird.
For power the train originally used Electro-Motive E6As, later
upgrading to EMD E7As between 1945 and 1949.
At A Glance
23 Hours, 10 Minutes (Southbound) 23 Hours, 15 Minutes (Northbound) |
|
99/9 (Southbound) 98/8 (Northbound) | |
Union Terminal (Cincinnati) Canal Street/Union Passenger Terminal (New Orleans*) |
* From 1902 - 1954, the L&N used its own terminal in New Orleans at Canal Street. In 1954, Union Passenger Terminal opened which consolidated all intercity passenger services.
Louisville & Nashville E7A #781 awaits departure from New Orleans with the late era "Pan American" in February, 1970. American-Rails.com collection.Finally, in 1951 the L&N purchased E8As for passenger service. Interestingly, the railroad never used "B", booster units, which at the time was typically a common practice for a Class I's flagship (it allowed for additional power without the need for an additional cabbed locomotive).
The train was a quite successful operation although because it competed in a market dominated by the Illinois Central with its Panama Limited, and City of New Orleans, the American, was often overshadowed.
Still, for over five decades it provided reliable, efficient, and friendly service between the Gulf Coast and Midwest even if it was not a fully-equipped streamliner like some of the other runs serving both cities.
Listed for years as trains #99 (southbound) and #98 (northbound) on the
L&N timetable in its final days the train was changed to #9 and #8 respectively.
Timetable (1952)
Essentially the American was a less luxurious version of the Humming Bird, which offered opulent dayliner services including reclining-seat coaches and lounges.
As with all of the Louisville & Nashville's original passenger fleet, the train's locomotives were originally bedecked in L&N's handsome deep blue and cream with red trim while the cars featured a combination of deep blue and stainless steel.
Consist (1952)
In later years the railroad changed this to a more simple general livery of grey, yellow, and red for all its equipment, including freight.
While the passenger trains still carried a level of good looks the new paint scheme was simply not as elegant as the original. In 1955 the American received additional newer equipment when the L&N purchased 13 new coaches to reequip it and the Humming Bird. It was also given a rebuilt, streamlined lunch-counter lounge in 1957.
Timetable (1969)
| Read Down Time/Leave (Train #9) | Milepost | Location | Read Up Time/Arrive (Train #8) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:20 PM (Dp) | 0.0 | 5:35 PM (Ar) | |
| F 12:35 PM | 3 | F 5:15 PM | |
| 3:35 PM (Ar) | 114 | 2:25 PM (Dp) | |
| 4:05 PM (Dp) | 114 | 2:00 PM (Ar) | |
| F 3:59 PM | 156 | F 11:49 AM | |
| 4:42 PM | 199 | 11:08 AM | |
| 5:19 PM | 228 | 10:39 AM | |
| 7:00 PM (Ar) | 301 | 9:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 7:20 PM (Dp) | 301 | 8:50 AM | |
| 8:25 PM | 355 | 7:36 AM | |
| 9:21 PM | 408 | 6:41 AM | |
| 9:42 PM | 421 | 6:21 AM | |
| 10:19 PM | 454 | 5:35 AM | |
| 11:15 PM (Ar) | 506 | 4:35 AM (Dp) | |
| 11:30 PM (Dp) | 506 | 4:15 AM (Ar) | |
| 1:30 AM (Ar) | 604 | 2:10 AM (Dp) | |
| 1:50 AM (Dp) | 604 | 1:50 AM (Ar) | |
| 2:43 AM | 648 | 12:36 AM | |
| 3:01 AM | 663 | 12:18 AM | |
| 3:45 AM | 684 | 11:55 PM | |
| 4:10 AM | 709 | 11:27 PM | |
| 4:35 AM (Ar) | 722 | 11:10 PM (Dp) | |
| 5:05 AM (Dp) | 722 | 10:50 PM (Ar) | |
| 5:24 AM | 737 | 10:23 PM | |
| 5:57 AM | 758 | 10:00 PM | |
| 6:45 AM (Ar) | 782 | 9:20 PM (Dp) | |
| 7:05 AM (Dp) | 782 | 9:00 PM (Ar) | |
| 7:57 AM | 822 | F 8:03 PM | |
| 8:28 AM | 842 | 7:31 PM | |
| 8:38 AM | 848 | 7:20 PM | |
| 8:58 AM | 855 | 7:07 PM | |
| F 9:11 AM | 864 | 6:48 PM | |
| 9:23 AM | 870 | 6:39 PM | |
| 9:30 AM | 874 | 6:30 PM | |
| 10:10 AM | 5:25 PM | ||
| 10:35 AM (Ar) | 927 | 5:15 PM (Dp) |
While the Pan could be classified as a semi-streamliner, the railroad made sure to never advertise it as such since it was simply not on the same level as the Humming Bird.
Like with the rest of the rail industry, by the 1960s the Louisville & Nashville was looking to get out of the passenger train business, disenchanted by the growing loss and lack of interest from the American public which abandoned trains in droves for the independence of the highway and speed of the airliner.
This issue was only compounded by the loss of the lucrative U.S. mail contracts during 1967. Interestingly, the railroad was so quick to call it quits on the Humming Bird that it discontinued the train in the middle of its run in 1969, making news all over the country!
The final run of the "Pan American" as it awaits departure from Louisville Union Station, led by E8A #785, on May 1, 1971. American-Rails.com collection.Final Years
Still, while most of the L&N’s fleet had been canceled by the late 1960s, the American carried on until the end when Amtrak took over intercity passenger rail operations on May 1, 1971.
During the American's final years of operation it still retained sleeper service, an amenity quickly disappearing by the 1960s in the rail travel industry. According to the L&N's 1969 timetable a typical consist included 10-roomette, double-bedroom sleepers running the length of the route, reclining seat coaches, and a diner offering "complete meal service."
By this time the company's South Wind was its only intercity passenger train offering a nearly intact allotment of services (aside from parlors which had disappeared long ago) including sleepers, lounges, coaches, and even a grill car.
Sources
- Burns, A.J. and Dawson, Leslie. Official Guide Of The Railways And Steam Navigation Lines Of The United States, Porto Rico, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba, The. Volume 85. Issue 3. Pages 534-554. New York: National Railway Publication Company, 1952.
- Schafer, Mike. Classic American Railroads. Osceola: MBI Publishing, 1996.
- Schafer, Mike and Welsh, Joe. Streamliners, History of a Railroad Icon. St. Paul: MBI Publishing, 2003.
Recent Articles
-
Indiana Valentine's Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 04:27 PM
If you’ve ever wished you could step into a time when passenger trains were a Saturday-night treat and a whistle echoing across farm fields meant “adventure,” the Nickel Plate Express delivers that fe… -
Ohio Valentine's Train Rides!
Jan 12, 26 04:20 PM
The Hocking Valley Scenic Railway offers one of the region’s most atmospheric ways to experience the Hocking Hills area: from the rhythmic click of jointed rail to the glow of vintage coaches rolling… -
Wisconsin's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 03:10 PM
Wisconsin might not be the first state that comes to mind when one thinks of wine, but this scenic region is increasingly gaining recognition for its unique offerings in viticulture. -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 02:34 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Wisconsin Scenic Train Rides In North Freedom!
Jan 12, 26 02:20 PM
The Mid-Continent Railway Museum is a living-history museum built around the sights, sounds, and everyday rhythms of small-town and shortline railroading in the early 20th century, what the museum cal… -
Vermont Scenic Train Rides In Burlington!
Jan 12, 26 01:18 PM
Today, GMRC is best known by many travelers for its Burlington-based passenger experiences—most famously the Champlain Valley Dinner Train and the sleek, limited-capacity Cocktails on the Rails. -
Maryland's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 01:03 PM
Maryland is known for its scenic landscapes, historical landmarks, and vibrant culture, but did you know that it’s also home to some of the most thrilling murder mystery dinner trains? -
Minnesota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 12, 26 12:17 PM
Murder mystery dinner trains offer an enticing blend of suspense, culinary delight, and perpetual motion, where passengers become both detectives and dining companions on an unforgettable journey. -
Vermont Dinner Train Rides In Burlington!
Jan 12, 26 12:09 PM
There is one location in Vermont hosting a dedicated dinner train experience at the Green Mountain Railroad. -
Connecticut Dinner Train Rides In Essex!
Jan 12, 26 10:39 AM
Connecticut's rail heritage can be traced back to the industry's earliest days and a few organizations preserve this rich history by offering train rides. The Essex Steam Train also hosts dinner-theme… -
Florida Scenic Train Rides In Parrish!
Jan 11, 26 10:26 PM
The Florida Railroad Museum (FRRM) in Parrish offers something increasingly rare in today’s rail landscape: a chance to ride historic equipment over a surviving fragment of an early-20th-century mainl… -
California's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:28 PM
This article explores the charm, routes, and offerings of these unique wine tasting trains that traverse California’s picturesque landscapes. -
Georgia's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 02:07 PM
In the heart of the Peach State, a unique form of entertainment combines the thrill of a murder mystery with the charm of a historic train ride. -
Colorado ~ Murder Mystery ~ Dinner Train Rides
Jan 11, 26 01:43 PM
Nestled among the breathtaking vistas and rugged terrains of Colorado lies a unique fusion of theater, gastronomy, and travel—a murder mystery dinner train ride. -
Minnesota Dinner Train Rides In Duluth!
Jan 11, 26 01:32 PM
One of the best ways to feel the region's history in motion today is aboard the North Shore Scenic Railroad (NSSR), which operates out of Duluth’s historic depot. -
Illinois Dinner Train Rides At Monticello!
Jan 11, 26 12:42 PM
The Monticello Railway Museum (MRM) is one of those places that quietly does a lot: it preserves a sizable collection, maintains its own operating railroad, and—most importantly for visitors—puts hist… -
Alabama's - Wine Tasting - Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:29 AM
While the state might not be the first to come to mind when one thinks of wine or train travel, the unique concept of wine tasting trains adds a refreshing twist to the Alabama tourism scene. -
Maryland Dinner Train Rides At WMSR!
Jan 10, 26 09:13 AM
The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad (WMSR) has become one of the Mid-Atlantic’s signature heritage operations—equal parts mountain railroad, living museum, and “special-occasion” night out. -
Arkansas Dinner Train Rides On The A&M!
Jan 10, 26 09:11 AM
If you want a railroad experience that feels equal parts “working short line” and “time machine,” the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad (A&M) delivers in a way few modern operations can. -
South Dakota's - Murder Mystery - Dinner Train Rides
Jan 10, 26 09:08 AM
While the state currently does not offer any murder mystery dinner train rides, the popular "1880 Train" at the Black Hills Central recently hosted these popular trips!
