Norfolk Southern's Executive Train traveled through Huntingburg today

The Executive Train number 4271 pulled through Huntingburg today. According to afficionados 4271 is rarely in the lead but today 4270 was in the reserve spot. — The Executive Train number 4271 pulled through Huntingburg today. According to aficionados 4271 is rarely in the lead but today 4270 was in the reserve spot.

The railroads crisscrossing our city sometimes define the schedules and lives of folks in Huntingburg. Idling in your car at 8:15 when you have an 8:30 appointment with a train stopped on the tracks for no apparent reason is maddening at times, but it’s a fact of life.

The Norfolk Southern Executive train traveled through Huntingburg today on its way east. Seeing one of these executive or presidential trains is a treat for rail fans, but anyone can appreciate this fine train that is used to carry VIP’s, political figures, and Norfolk Southern executives.

This historic train was built in the 1950’s and then renovated and upgraded by Norfolk Southern in 2006. The cars attached also have histories. The cars were built by Pullman in the 1920’s and each is named after a state. They are used as sleeper cars, dining cars, and even office cars.

In a city that normally sees industrial locomotives pulling farm implements, livestock, cars, and chemicals it was a treat today to see this sleek tuxedo train pull through.

The Observation Car is where many sit to see the country the train passes through, but it is also an inspection car . Regional trackmasters would ride in the rear of the car with management as they inspected the track together.