An Elite long running Private commuter train for the extremely wealthy. The Dude Train.

[LensCapOn]

ED,

 

The CB&Q line out of Chicago had a similar history with commuter service being handled from a terminal at Downers Grove again for the rich of Chicago. Pretty safe bet that searching would come up with dozens of close examples.

 

 

 

I also feel it wouldn't be hard to see the same pattern today. The Hiawatha service between Milwaukee and Chicago is more for top executives than the peak ownership class but it isn't that much of a push if a modeler said otherwise with a much more upscale train. Silicon Valley is a local where the deep money is there and upscale commuter lines are being built. Do think they may want an armored train more than an upscale one.(inside joke if anyone is wondering)

 

[gmpullman]

This setup sounds similar to the history of "The Main Line" which became a status symbol of the well-to-do in the Philadelphia area.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philadelphia_Main_Line

The Philadelphia Main Line, known simply as the Main Line, is an informally delineated historical and social region of suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lying along the former Pennsylvania Railroad's once prestigious Main Line, it runs northwest from Center City Philadelphia parallel to Lancaster Avenue.

Thanks for posting this insight into early railroad history,

Regards, Ed

[LensCapOn]

From 1884 till 1917 a wondrous train ran from Boston to Woods Hole, (and Fairhaven for many years). It was cutting edge for the time in its purpose and was for the richest class in Boston. People who could buy an entire island for the country estate yet now could work in Boston with a speedy daily commute.  The pace was fast. The wood car trains were short. Since it was a private train it was never scheduled other than as a private movement. It would be a wonderful model for other locals and eras. And despite my broad reading I knew nothing about it till the December 2018 Trains.

 

You might want to buy one and read for yourselves. (Six pages counting photo spread)

 

 

Stock image from Bing images.