The streamlined 434DD 4-8-4s and the retro-styled coaches they hauled were in every way an unqualified success, bringing the RSR a tremendous amount of additional revenue. These, as we know, were followed in 1996 by the 455AA 4-8-4s and changes to the appointments and livery. Throughout the remaining years of the 20th century and on into the 21st the RSR Nostalgia Expresses enjoyed worldwide renown among railway professionals and enthusiasts alike. During the first decade the idea arose of a different livery and style to keep the concept fresh in the public mind. It was decided to copy the design of the New York Central J3a 4-6-4s, which hauled that railroad's Twentieth Century Limited between New York City and Chicago. Henry Dreyfuss's shrouding, similarly adapted to European dimensions, retained its grey livery with stainless steel brightwork, allowing travelling and lineside public to continue to enjoy the glamour and flair of the streamline era.

The livery of the 434DE was matched by a new series of coaches, whose colour scheme echoed that of the NYC train, with black panels and white striping.

Text and graphics © Norman Clubb 2012