Here are a couple of posters using Hedrich photographs, one of which we’ve already seen on a postcard. I’m not certain whether these posters were distributed to members of the public, Great Northern customers, or just used in GN offices … Continue reading
Although domes were first added to the Empire Builder in May 1955, the Great Northern didn’t place this two-page spread in National Geographic until October. This is probably because the ad featured the full-length dome which wasn’t included in the … Continue reading
With the addition of the Great Domes, the GN issued new on-board stationery. It was much like the previous stationery except with the addition of the words “The Incomparable.” Click to download a PDF of this letterhead. According to the … Continue reading
The Great Northern relied on Hedrich-Blessing, a Chicago company specializing in architectural photography, to provide many photographs of its trains. Click any image to download a PDF of the postcard. The eastbound Empire Builder is currently heading north along Washington’s … Continue reading
“An impressive feature of the Great Domes is the dramatic use of color and art in the interiors,” says this little brochure about the Great Domes. “Developed by Philip Will Jr., nationally known Chicago architect, the decor was inspired by … Continue reading
With the addition of nearly 150 non-revenue seats in the Great Domes (a term the railway used to refer to both short and full-length domes), the Empire Builder had become “incomparable” in Great Northern advertising. This oddly-folded brochure has interior … Continue reading
On May 29 1955–barely a month after the inauguration of the Canadian–the Great Northern added domes to the Empire Builder. Like the Union Pacific, the GN was a reluctant dome-car buyer, but was forced to do so to meet competition … Continue reading
Only a few railroads took the opportunity to advertise around Christmas. Given limited advertising budgets, most aimed for the summer tourist season instead. But the New York Central, Pennsylvania, Pullman, and Union Pacific all did some creative Christmas-themed ads, and … Continue reading
Just like on the Empire Builder, the Great Northern offered postcards and stationery to passengers on the Western Star. This unused postcard shows Blackfeet Indians greeting Western Star passengers at Glacier National Park. Click image to download a PDF of … Continue reading
The Western Star’s coffee shop only had 20 seats, which didn’t allow for many customers over the course of a day. But the menu offered almost as many items as the a la carte side of the dining car menu, … Continue reading
