I3103

Famous Trains

20th Century Limited

Collins Cover Announcement 

ALL ABOARD !

20TH CENTURY PASSENGER TRAINS

This five-stamp railroad set has been eagerly awaited by Collins collectors, and I am delighted to announce the beginning of this superb five-cover set. Because of the suggestion of Kansas collector Jim Nelson that I consider using the great Topeka pictorial postmark I first acquired on my locomotive cover (L501) in the Transportation Series, these superb covers now exist with a fabulous railroad cancellation. To expand on the historic theme of the postmark, I decided to bring a human element to my cachets by featuring train crew members who by their devotion helped evolve the great tradition and historical importance of American railroads.

My first hand painted cachet features the brakemen. To the left, a winter storm does not deter a durable brakeman from performing his essential job on the snow-covered roof of a railroad car. To the right, a young apprentice sits on the front of a slowly moving engine and watches the track for potential trouble. The use of blended watercolors brings an amazing glimpse of realism to this cachet.

The stamp on this first cover features the 20th Century Limited. It was called a "national institution" and the "most famous train in the world." It served the heavily traveled run between New York and Chicago. It is tied to the cover by the absolutely fantastic Topeka, Kansas pictorial cancel. Not only did Jim suggest this super postmark, but he also handled the logistics of getting it on these covers on the day of issue. We can all thank him profusely for a job well done.

One of the subtle things that makes the composition of this FDC work so well, is the way that the cachet is "notched" around the postmark. It is prudent that I advise you that this cover (and the four others coming soon) will probably sell out of my stock relatively soon. Railroad material is a very popular topic for collectors, and the Americana appeal of this cover is strong. I am pleased that you will have the opportunity to add these five distinctive train crew First Day Covers to your collection. Begin now with the "Brakemen." Welcome aboard. Item #I3103. $12.25.