RDG Crusader and Wall Street Trains

Clips from various sources combined with contemporary brochures and graphics showing the evolution of the Reading Company's Crusader and Wall Street.

The Crusader was a product of the 1930's streamlining craze and built by the Budd Co. of Philadelphia. It was unique in having an observation car at both ends to eliminate the need to turn the train at its terminals. The lead observation end was encased in a shroud attached to the tender to present a smooth unbroken appearance to the lines of the train. The train was refurbished in the mid 1950s and sold to the CN in the early 60's.

The Wall Street was one of three products of the Reading's postwar "Modernization Program (the others were the "King Coal" and the "Schuylkill"). Taking a page from parent B&O's playbook, a number of standard heavyweight steel coaches were rebuilt with panoramic windows, streamline skirting, high speed trucks, air conditioning and long distance reclining seats. Lounge and grill/dining cars were also rebuilt on the same pattern. The Wall Street was initially powered with new G-3 Pacifics, while later both trains were dieselized with EMD FP-7's.

Both trains were eventually replaced with Budd RDC's using second hand RDC combines with the baggage and mail sections converted to dining/bar configurations.