From
1947-1961, the Milwaukee Road Olympian Hiawatha ran
passenger excursions between Chicago and the Pacific
Northwest, operated by the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St.
Paul and Pacific Railroad.
The
Olympian Hiawatha took scheduled excursions through
scenic Idaho, Montana’s Bitterroot Mountains, and Washington’s
Cascade range. On June 29, 1947, the Milwaukee Road
inaugurated its streamlined flagship on a 43-hour, 30-minute
schedule. This was advertised as being a “speedliner.”
The railroad contracted industrial designer Brooks Stevens
to design the train consist, which included some unique
and signature cars of the Milwaukee Road.
In
1952, the first full-length “Super Dome” cars were added,
which included 68 dome seats and 28 lounge seats. The
dome area featured seats positioned lengthwise, facing
the 625 square foot double-pane windows. Ideal for insulation,
and sightseeing.
