My Model Train Collection –
Lionel's Preamble Express Items
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The 1974 Preamble Express Story
In preparation for the Bicentennial journey of the American Freedom Train, a four-car
Preamble Express was dispatched to scout the route and court host city officials.
For five months in the summer and fall of 1974 the Preamble Express made calls in all 48 contiguous states. Dozens of
display sites were evaluated and hundreds of local officials and law enforcement were informed of the requirements to
host America's largest Bicentennial event.
In December 1974, President Ford inaugurated the American Freedom Train
from the rear platform of the Preamble Express.
The 4-Car Preamble Express scouted the route of The American Freedom Train, providing a venue to meet with local
community leaders about preparing for the AFT's visit. The meetings were held in Car 4, which was set up as a
classroom, and equipped with an audio and video system. The Preamble staff presented the exhibit and display plans
for the AFT, and showed the 16 MM film
'All Aboard America' projected on a screen at the rear end
of the car. The film features the song entitled All Aboard America, Here Comes The Freedom
Train by Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton. Each guest received an AFT Press Kit with promotional material about
the AFT, and a 45 RPM copy of the Wagoner/Parton recording. After the meeting wrapped up, everyone adjourned to Car 2,
the dining car. Here, a full-course hot dinner prepared by a former NYC chef in the Power Car kitchen was served to
the guests. At first, dinner meetings with the local Bicentennial committees were held at each stop. Starting in
Denver, the meetings were held over breakfast though the rest of the trip.
Preamble Express Passenger Set (2022080)
(click on any picture for a larger image)
Complete train:
Locomotive:
Passenger Car #1:
Passenger Cars #3 and #4:
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This page last updated: May 28, 2023
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