The Niagara was the epitome of powerful dual-purpose NYC steam, and could stand its ground on the ledger sheet with the invading internal combustion power. Nonetheless, 6014 was scrapped a year or so after this scene, relegated to the Cleveland-Indy mail/express train in this view, fouling the PRR main and protected by the flagman on the left in the roadway. Note the highway sign for US 30 seen above his shanty, now known as the "Lincoln Highway", a local road, as "bypass" US 30 has been moved outside city limits since. The Niagara had both traditional steam whistle and air horn. John recalls being fooled by the diesel-like air horn on at least one other such led train on this Memorial Day weekend, while off nextdoor shooting the PRR steam deadline. Dr. Richard Leonard's fantastic steam website has a page that details the Niagara, scroll-down here.
The Central's Great Steel Fleet fielded such famous trains as the Twentieth Century Limited and Empire State Express. The railroad also had extensive commuter service in New York and Boston and served travelers along numerous branch lines.
