New York to Philadelphia service on the Pennsy in the prewar years was fast and frequent, but somewhat old-fashioned. Reading saw an opportunity to make inroads with a shiny, modern streamliner that would let businessmen enjoy the trip in reclining-seat comfort, perhaps even with a good breakfast or lunch along the way.

Read about Reading's Crusader at American Rails.

From the pages of the Official Guide, September 1938

The Crusader

Central Railroad of New Jersey
Reading Railroad
July 17, 1938

607	621	637	Train Number					600	636	614
ExSu	See Note	ExSaSu		Miles	(Central Railroad of New Jersey)	Services		See Note	ExSaSu	ExSu
8 45A	3 45P	4 15P	Dp	0.0	New York, NY (ET) (West 23rd St. Ferry Sta.)	C	Ar	8 07A	8 37A	3 02P
9 00A	4 00P	4 30P		0.0	New York, NY (ET) (Liberty St. Ferry Sta.)	C		7 50A	8 25A	2 50P
9 12A	4 12P	4 42P		1.0	Jersey City, NJ (Jersey Central Terminal)	C		7 38A	8 13A	2 38P
F 9 27A	F 4 27P			12.5	Elizabeth, NJ	C				F 2 22P
F 9 40A				24.0	Plainfield, NJ	C				F 2 10P
N	N	N	Ar	31.2	Bound Brook, NJ	C	Dp	N	N	N
(Reading Railroad)
N	N	N	Dp	31.2	Bound Brook, NJ	T	Ar	N	N	N
	4 57P			41.0	Belle Mead, NJ	T C		6 55A
10 12A	5 14P			58.4	West Trenton, NJ	T C		6 39A		1 39P
10 31A	5 35P	5 57P		80.4	Jenkintown, PA (Wyncote)	T C		6 19A	6 59A	1 19P
	5 38P			82.0	Elkins Park, PA	C
10 39A	5 44P	6 05P		86.1	Wayne Junction, PA	T C		6 11A	6 51A	1 11P
10 43A	5 48P	6 09P		88.3	Philadelphia, PA (North Broad St.)	C		6 06A	6 46A	1 06P
10 50A	5 55P	6 15P	Ar	91.2	Philadelphia, PA (ET) (Reading Tml.)	T C	Dp	6 00A	6 40A	1 00P

Train 607 (New York-Philadelphia): 7 stops, 1:50, 49.7 MPH

Train 636 (Philadelphia-New York): 4 stops, 1:45, 52.1 MPH

Train 637 (New York-Philadelphia): 4 stops, 1:45, 52.1 MPH

Train 614 (Philadelphia-New York); 7 stops, 1:50, 49.7 MPH

Train 621 (New York-Philadelphia): 8 stops, 1:55, 47.6 MPH

Train 600 (Philadelphia-New York): 6 stops, 1:50, 49.7 MPH

NOTE: Train 636 does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays, or Holidays. On Saturdays the Crusader will be operated on the schedule of the Seven O'Klocker (Train 600) [which operates with non-streamlined equipment Mon-Fri].

NOTE: Trains 607 and 614 do not operate on Sundays or Holidays.

NOTE: The Crusader is not scheduled to stop at Bound Brook northbound or southbound; station point is shown for schedule clarity.

NOTE: Train 637 does not operate on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays. On Saturdays the Crusader will be operated on the schedule of Train 621 [which operates with non-streamlined equipment Mon-Fri].

NOTE: Station stops and average speed have been computed between the Liberty St. Ferry Terminal in New York and the Reading Terminal in Philadelphia.

(Reading Company Notes)

STAINLESS STEEL STREAMLINED TRAIN
"Crusader"
between
NEW YORK AND PHILADELPHIA

PRINCIPAL FEATURES.
Reclining Chair Cars with Smoking Lounges.
Dining Car with Cocktail Lounge.
Rear Car with Observation Lounge.
All cars completely Air-Conditioned.
Exterior of Gleaming Stainless Steel.
Interiors in harmonious colorings.
Efficient and brilliant lighting system.
Wide vision shatterproof glass windows.
Passengers are entitled to any of the train's seating accommodations. No extra fare of any kind is charged.

(Central of New Jersey Notes - None)

Railroad heralds, logos and trademarks used with intent to comply with Fair Use provisions of copyright and trademark law to illustrate the source material in its historical context. Central of New Jersey ball herald obtained from Whippany Railway Museum web site. Reading Railroad herald obtained from Reading Company Technical & Historical Society.

This page is best viewed with the Blackletter686 BT font installed.

LEGEND

Time:

A - A.M.

D - Train stops only to discharge passengers

F - Conditional (Flag) stop

I - Customs/Immigration inspection stop

M - Meal stop

N - Not a passenger stop

P - P.M.

R - Train stops only to receive passengers

Services:

A - Auto loading/unloading facilities (as freight)

B - Checked baggage is handled

C - Coupon station (Ticket office)

I - International border inspection station

M - Food service available

P - Telephone station

R - Rental cars available

T - Telegraph station

X - Checked baggage NOT handled

From the pages of the Official Guide, September 1938

The Crusader

Central Railroad of New Jersey Reading Railroad July 17, 1938

(Reading Company Notes)

(Central of New Jersey Notes - None)

Central Railroad of New Jersey
Reading Railroad
July 17, 1938