20th Century Limited Recreated in Toyota Ad

[3rdrail]

I caught this ad tonight while watching a little TV. Check it out.
http://www.streetfire.net/video/2011-to ... 998461.htm

[Marty Feldner]

I've seen this ad several times. It looks to have been created by a twenty-something advertising wonk using his idea of a thirties streamlined steam locomotive (that looks closer to Lionel or American Flier than anything the NYC- or anyone else- ran); the same or a different wonk's idea of forties dress, and the same or a different wonk's use of an early fifties song.

Nothing like historical accuracy...

[Otto Vondrak]

It doesn't look like the 20th Century Limited at all, but rather a garish toy train styled to evoke the era. Closest match I could think of would be the Mercury or the Cornelius Vanderbilt "upside down bathtub" streamstyled steam locos. But I don't think these producers were trying to model any one specific train, but it definitely has an "eastern" flair.

-otto-

[atsf sp]

When I first saw it I thought of one of the original Hiawatha's.

[3rdrail]

I think that you're right, ATSF. The Hiawathas are the closest that I can see. You've got to admit, especially for rail buffs, this is a stylish commercial that is pretty well done, if not totally accurate ! (Man o man ! They were beauties !)