Inside vintage train cars: See a Deluxe Overland Limited Train (1910s)

The Overland Limited was a passenger train on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, running between Chicago and Los Angeles. The line ran from 1901 until 1915, when the line was taken over by the Santa Fe Eight in 1915.

During this, the “Golden Age” of railroad travel, the Deluxe train service shown below was generally considered the most luxurious transportation money could buy.

A Deluxe Overland Limited train

Deluxe Overland train is last word in travel luxury

Prominent citizens of Oakland and San Francisco were entertained at a luncheon on the Oakland Limited de Luxe at Oakland mole yesterday, as the guests of Charles S. Fee, passenger traffic manager of the Southern Pacific.

The new train service started yesterday, the first train leaving for Chicago over the Southern Pacific, Union Pacific and Chicago and Northwestern tracks. The Overland Limited Deluxe will run in the afternoons, and another train, the Pacific Limited, also started yesterday, will run daily, starting in the morning.

Every luxury possible in a hotel is to be found on this remarkable train, including: Barber shop, Shower bath, Valet service, Massage, Ladies’ maid, Hairdressing, Manicuring, Ladies’ parlors, Library, Stock reports and news items by wire, Buffet, Clubroom, Cafe dining car.

Vintage train cars: Dining car on a deluxe Overland Limited train

Electric-lighted berth on a deluxe overland limited train

Barber shop on a deluxe Overland Limited train

Luxuries and modern conveniences

Each section in the sleeping cars has two wide double berths, with individual electric lamps in both upper and lower, a convenience in retiring or for those who may desire to read in their berths.

The drawing-rooms and compartments, of which there is an ample number, each provided with individual lavatory and other conveniences assure complete privacy. They can be opened into suites of three or more rooms, very desirable for family parties.

The gentlemen’s clubroom, containing a well-stocked buffet, is furnished as a comfortable lounging and smoking room, with easy armchairs, has writing desk and stationery, magazines, illustrated Weeklies and daily papers.

Stock quotations and news items received by telegraph and posted daily in the gentlemen’s clubroom, thus keeping the businessman in touch with the markets and latest intelligence.

Barbershop and shower bath in the clubroom car may be availed of by all desiring their convenience or refreshing effect.

Valet service: Ladies’ or gentlemen’s garments can be sponged and pressed overnight.

Stenographer and typewriter in the observation car. The businessman will find this service to his liking. It will be free of charge.

Ladies’ parlor in the observation car is handsomely and tastefully furnished. Has writing desk with stationery. and a free library of fiction, also magazines and illustrated weeklies.

Vintage train cars: Buffet library car on an Overland Limited railroad

Observation car on a deluxe Overland Limited train

Observation car on a deluxe overland limited train

Standard pullman car on a deluxe overland limited train

Kitchen on a deluxe Overland Limited train

Buffet library car on a deluxe overland limited train

Listening to the radio in the vintage train cars

About these amazing vintage train cars

The Southern Pacific has made the following announcement concerning the Overland Limited de Luxe:

To our friends and patrons – The world-famous Overland Limited, running daily between Oakland and Chicago. opened a new chapter in its interesting history as an extra-fare train de luxe, and its new all-steel equipment represent the latest achievement in car construction, embodying every mechanical defies of proved efficiency looking to strength, easy running and safety. The interior appointments are elaborate and to meet the desire of those willing to pay for something extra in the way of luxuries of modern home and hotel life. the different conveniences which are a feature of the train have been provided.

The “Overland Limited” de Luxe will leave Oakland and San Francisco and Chicago, every day in the week, and every week in the year.

Telephone: At Oakland and Chicago the train has telephone connection in the observation car for thirty minutes before departure, enabling patrons to talk with relatives or friends at residences or hotels. Telephone calls to reach friends on train are at San Francisco and Oakland, at Oakland 1928. In case telephone calls are received for passengers before their arrival at station, such fact will be noted on bulletin board at gate.