As many of you know, I’m a huge supporter of the Railroad Museum of New England and the Naugatuck Railroad. They had a very successful season culminating in the New Year’s Eve Eve “North by Northwest Express”.
The excursion ran from the RMNE’s Thomaston home to Torrington and back. The consist had the famous Hickory Creek made famous in the movie, as well and New York Central Tavern Lounge #43. The consist also had the newly refurbished Naugatuck 1920’s Lounge and five additional passenger coaches. The trip was a complete sellout.
Perhaps the highlight of the trip was a screening of “North by Northwest” at the refurbished downtown historic Warner theatre, preceded by a buffet dinner at Salt 2.0. The Warner is so beautiful and a treasure.
Departure was set for 1800 with an arrival in Torrington at 1845. We rode in the Tavern Lounger 43. The Naugatuck lounge looked quite a bit more comfortable, but not quite as historic or with the same level of service. Cocktails were served as well, and the atmosphere was quite friendly with fellow passengers dressed very nicely. People shared their stories of the Naugatuck, and the privately-owned railcars in which we were riding.
After a short walk to Salt 2.0 we ate dinner, which was included in the price. The tickets were quite affordable. There was a celebrity sighting, Anson Mount of Star Trek: Brave New World fame. The dinner was quite tasty!
Salt is directly connected to the Warner, which was quite convenient. After everyone had finished dinner and found their seats in the Warner, the movie began.
This was such a classic movie. To be honest, the 20th Century Limited really only played a small role, but the cinematography from director Alfred Hitchcock along the Hudson River line and in Grand Central was astounding. The dialogue was sharp as well, with the tete-a-tete’s between Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint being both subtle yet filled with innuendos.
My favorite quote was Grant’s “Now you listen to me, I’m an advertising man, not a red herring. I’ve got a job, a secretary, a mother, two ex-wives, and several bartenders that depend upon me, and I don’t intend to disappoint them all by getting myself “slightly” killed.” Story of my life. The audience applauded and laughed at all the right times.
After the movie we all returned to the train for the trip home. All-in-all a tremendous experience. The Hickory Creek and the New York Central Tavern car 43 were on loan from the United Railroad Historical Society, located in Boonton, New Jersey. Hopefully the Naugy and RMNE will continue this arrangement each holiday season. Most of the excursions, including the Northern Lights, Santa Express, and others were sold out or well-attended.
