In the late twenties and early thirties, the Broadway and Century paused briefly at Englewood and then, in never-to-be-forgotten drama, raced eastward side by side for several miles.
Vestibule doors slam noisily shut. In the lounge and club cars train crews make sure that travelers are aware the race of races is about to begin, and urge them to join the fun. Up front the immortal K-4 and Hudson, wait impatiently with their airpumps throbbing. Enginemen make a last check of Steam gauges and set their watches.
The Century, by the timecard, has the advantage with a 3:39 pm departure but both trains get under way at the Broadway's 3:45 time. The minute the highballs come the engineers ease out the throttles, because the companies do not appreciate a jerky start; then hook 'em up as fast as possible once the train is rolling. The Hudson's 79" drivers gave the Century the lead but soon the K-4 is bucking and swaying with its crew using every bit of experience of their long careers to urge their steaming charge on ever faster. Foot by foot the K-4 overtakes the Hudson as every window is alive with passengers and crew gesturing to the rival. In a final burst of speed the Broadway inches ahead. The race for today is won. The routes divide. Passengers relax in plush seats and enginemen revert to the routine of operating a speeding Limited. The race is over, but with a wink, the genial conductor concedes that after all, regardless of who won, it was lots of fun and the Broadway is due in Fort Wayne at 5:53 and the Century in Elkhart at 5:08 anyway!