The "Preamble Express" (Train): History, Photos, Rolling Stock
Published: July 6, 2024
By: Adam Burns
In anticipation of America's Bicentennial in 1976, the nation found numerous ways to celebrate 200 years of independence. Among these commemorative undertakings was the iconic "Preamble Express" train excursions of 1974.
This unique train not only honored America's historical journey but also reunited citizens with the cherished ideals encapsulated in the Constitution.
The Preamble Express, though, also had a very important task: In anticipation of the American Freedom Train, the Preamble Express, a four-car convoy, was dispatched to meticulously scout the route and liaise with host city officials.
During an extensive five-month expedition in the summer and fall of 1974, the Preamble Express journeyed through all 48 contiguous states.
This thorough venture involved evaluating dozens of potential display sites and coordinating with hundreds of local officials and law enforcement agencies to ensure the seamless hosting of America’s largest Bicentennial celebration.
Union Pacific E9A #951 leads the "Preamble Express" through Raleigh, North Carolina in October of 1974. Warren Calloway photo.The four-car Preamble Express embarked on a mission to scout the route of the American Freedom Train (AFT) and engage with local community leaders to prepare for the AFT's upcoming visit.
A series of informative meetings were held in Car 4, which was specially designed as a classroom and equipped with state-of-the-art audio and video systems.
Here, Preamble staff presented detailed exhibit and display plans for the AFT and showcased the 16mm film "All Aboard America."
This film, featuring the song "All Aboard America, Here Comes The Freedom Train" by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, was projected on a screen at the rear of the car, delivering a captivating preview of the AFT journey.
Each guest received an AFT press kit, complete with promotional materials about the AFT and a 45 RPM record of the Wagoner/Parton recording.
After the presentations wrapped up, guests were invited to Car 2, the dining car, where they enjoyed a full-course hot dinner prepared by a former New York City chef in the Power Car kitchen.
Initially, these dinner meetings with local Bicentennial committees were held at each stop along the journey. However, starting in Denver, the format shifted, and the meetings were conducted over breakfast for the remainder of the trip.
This change ensured a comprehensive and enriching experience for every participant, fostering excitement and preparation for the AFT's historic journey.
Delaware & Hudson U23B #2312 (formerly #312), painted for the "Preamble Express," lays over at the Boston & Maine's terminal in Portland, Maine on July 10, 1974. American-Rails.com collection.Locomotives
The Preamble Express primarily operated with just two locomotives; its first was Delaware & Hudson U23B #2312 (ex-#312). Following General Motors' sponsorship of the American Freedom Train organizers felt an EMD locomotive was necessary.
As a result, Union Pacific E9A #951 was tabbed. The streamlined unit was taken to EMD's La Grange plant, given a patriotic red, white, and blue livery and took over leading the Preamble Express at Omaha, Nebraska on August 11, 1974.
Passenger Cars
Among all the cars on the American Freedom Train, a select four boasted the most colorful past. These cars included Reading Class CVM all-steel combination passenger-baggage #592 (built in 1927) as well as all-steel Class PBm coaches #1327, #1329, and #1332, built in 1922. The latter had long been used in commuter service.
In 1935-36, during routine maintenance, the cars underwent a transformation to add air conditioning, trading their old "clerestory" roofs for the streamlined rounded roofs associated with the streamlined era. At the time, they were part of a common fleet, indistinguishable from several other similar cars.
Their fate took a unique turn in June, 1966 when the Reading sold cars #592, #1327, and #1329 to Permacel, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson.
These cars were repurposed for the Permacel Express, an exhibit train intended to promote the company's industrial tape products. In this new role, #592 became P1, named "Innovator"; #1327 became P2, "Motivator"; and #1329 became P3, "Educator".
Car #1329 also received an open platform on one end, effectively transforming it into an observation car. By this time, all three cars had been modified to include a prominent, almost chimney-like roof vent, distinguishing them from other Reading cars which typically featured small, low-profile vents.
The maiden voyage of the Permacel Express in September 1966 saw these cars pulled by the New York Central's famous 20th Century Limited from New York to Chicago.
The Permacel Express operated until December 1967, marking an eventful chapter in the life of these once-ordinary commuter cars, which would later become iconic components of the American Freedom Train.
On November 21, 1968, three of the cars were sold at auction at the Parke-Burnet Galleries in New York to the Lancaster & Chester Railway of South Carolina.
A fourth car, former Reading #1332, was then added to provide additional space for corporate exhibits and product displays.
This new addition retained its original small, low-profile roof vents from its Reading days, making it easily distinguishable from its near-clone, #1327.
The car was aptly named "Stimulator." Together, the quartet—now renumbered as 11, 12, 13, and 14—became the "Springmaid Special," a traveling classroom and meeting space for company employees that was later utilized for public promotions.
In mid-1974, the ensemble was transferred to the American Freedom Train Foundation, where they became the Preamble Express.
This four-car diesel-powered train played a crucial role in scouting the route for the forthcoming American Freedom Train. In this new capacity, the cars were renumbered 1, 2, 3, and 4, marking another significant chapter in their storied history.
The Nationwide Excursion
During its time in service, the Preamble Express is known to have visited 77 different cities along with a number of other station stops. In total, the trips last four months, departing from Boston's North Station on July 8, 1974 and concluding at Baltimore's Camden Station (B&O) on November 14, 1974.
Recent Articles
-
West Pointe Route Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 08:23 PM
Included here is the complete West Point Route timetables, including the Georgia Railroad, from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Virginian Railway Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 04:27 PM
Included here is the Virginian Railway's complete system map and brief timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
RF&P Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 11, 26 02:21 PM
Featured here is the Richmond, Frederickburg & Potomac's public timetables from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Missouri 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:20 PM
The fusion of scenic vistas, historical charm, and exquisite wines is beautifully encapsulated in Missouri's wine tasting train experiences. -
Minnesota 'Wine Tasting' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:19 PM
This article takes you on a journey through Minnesota's wine tasting trains, offering a unique perspective on this novel adventure. -
Alabama - Whiskey Tasting - Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:14 PM
With a little planning, you can build a memorable whiskey-and-rails getaway in the Heart of Dixie. -
Washington 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:11 PM
This article delves into what makes murder mystery dinner train rides in Washington State such a captivating experience. -
Nevada 'Murder Mystery' Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:09 PM
Seamlessly blending the romance of train travel with the allure of a theatrical whodunit, these excursions promise suspense, delight, and an unforgettable journey through Nevada’s heart. -
Kentucky 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 11, 26 12:06 PM
In the realm of unique travel experiences, Kentucky offers an enchanting twist that entices both locals and tourists alike: murder mystery dinner train rides. -
Original Norfolk Southern Timetables (January, 1930)
May 11, 26 10:06 AM
Featured here is the complete timetable listing of the original Norfolk Southern Railway from the January, 1930 edition of the "Official Guide." -
Atlantic and Danville Railway: Serving Southern VA
May 11, 26 09:50 AM
The Atlantic and Danville Railway (reporting mark AD), often referred to in its early years as the Atlantic & Danville Railroad, stands as a quintessential example of late-19th-century American railro… -
Interstate Railroad Timetables (January, 1910)
May 11, 26 09:25 AM
Featured here is the Interstate Railroad's very brief timetable listing from the January, 1910 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Virginia "Whiskey Tasting" Train Rides
May 10, 26 01:01 PM
Among the Virginia Scenic Railway's most popular specialty excursions is the “Bourbon & BBQ” tasting train, an adults-oriented rail journey that pairs scenic views of the Shenandoah Valley wit… -
Tennessee 'Whiskey Tasting' Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:58 PM
Here’s what to know, who to watch, and how to plan an unforgettable rail-and-whiskey experience in the Volunteer State. -
New York 'Dinner Train' Rides In The Adirondacks
May 10, 26 12:51 PM
Operating over a restored segment of the former New York Central’s Adirondack Division, the Adirondack Railroad has steadily rebuilt both track and public interest in passenger rail across the region. -
West Virginia 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:45 PM
For those looking to combine the allure of a train ride with an engaging whodunit, the murder mystery dinner trains offer a uniquely thrilling experience. -
Kansas 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:26 PM
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. -
Florida 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 10, 26 12:21 PM
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. -
Florida East Coast Timetables (January, 1930)
May 09, 26 11:55 PM
Featured here is the Florida East Coast Railway's listing in the "Official Guide" from January, 1930 when the system still reached Key West. -
Clinchfield Railroad Timetables (August, 1952)
May 09, 26 01:28 PM
Featured here is the Clinchfield's brief listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
California 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:58 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. -
New Jersey 'Beer Tasting' Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:49 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. -
New Hampshire 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 10:32 AM
The state's murder mystery trains stand out as a captivating blend of theatrical drama, exquisite dining, and scenic rail travel. -
North Carolina 'Dinner Train' Rides At Spencer
May 09, 26 10:26 AM
Tucked into the Piedmont town of Spencer, the North Carolina Transportation Museum is the kind of place that feels less like a typical museum and more like a living rail yard that never quite stopped… -
Tennessee 'Dinner Train' Rides At TVRM
May 09, 26 10:16 AM
Tucked into East Chattanooga, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM) is less a “museum you walk through” and more a railroad you step aboard. -
Pennsylvania 'Dinner Train' Rides At Boyertown
May 09, 26 10:02 AM
With beautifully restored vintage equipment, carefully curated menus, and theatrical storytelling woven into each trip, the Colebrookdale Railroad offers far more than a simple meal on rails. -
New York 'Murder Mystery' Dinner Train Rides
May 09, 26 09:54 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! -
Central of Georgia Timetables (August, 1952)
May 08, 26 11:51 PM
Featured is the Central of Georgia Railway's complete timetable listing from the August, 1952 edition of the "Official Guide Of The Railways." -
Pittsburgh & West Virginia Timetables (September, 1937)
May 08, 26 11:30 PM
Presented here is the Pittsburgh & West Virginia's public timetables listed in the September, 1937 issue of the "Official Guide." -
Brightline Florida Faces Debt Crisis and Future Uncertainty
May 08, 26 02:50 PM
Florida’s pioneering private high-speed passenger rail service, Brightline, is confronting a severe liquidity crunch that has triggered auditor warnings of “substantial doubt” about its ability to con… -
Reading & Northern Launches Its Own Coffee Brand
May 08, 26 02:28 PM
The Reading & Northern Railroad is thrilled to announce the launch of its very own coffee brand, Iron Horse Coffee Company. It will soon be served on all scenic train rides and in the café car located… -
Reading 4-8-4 2100 To Be Under Steam This June
May 08, 26 02:11 PM
fter more than a decade of intensive restoration by the American Steam Railroad Preservation Association (ASR), the legendary Reading Company 4-8-4 Northern-type steam locomotive No. 2100 will make it… -
Pennsylvania Murder Mystery Dinner Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:52 PM
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. -
Minnesota Beer Tasting Train Rides (2026)
May 08, 26 01:43 PM
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.
%2C%20painted%20for%20the%20%22Preamble%20Express%2C%22%20lays%20over%20at%20the%20Boston%20%26%20Maine's%20terminal%20in%20Portland%2C%20Maine%20on%20July%2010%2C%201974.%20American-Rails.com%20collection.){kind=link}