Named Trains: #31 – Comet

#31 – Comet

Railroad(s): New York, New Haven & Hartford 

Operated: 1935 – 1942

Route: Boston – Providence 

Yesterday, we introduced our Month of Named Trains throughout August and mentioned the Comet name as a versatile, yet intriguing choice for any passenger rail service. And, indeed, the moniker has served as a descriptor for railroads across North America since the dawn of the industry in the early 1800s. In this case, the New Haven's Comet is the only one that used the term as a stand-alone title for a train. The New Haven's Comet operated largely in commuter-oriented service between Boston and Providence utilizing custom-made, three-car streamlined trainsets that corresponded with their snazzy "44 miles in 44 minutes" marketing campaign. The sleek blue-and-white motif corresponded well with the Comet name, illustrating themes of speed, wonder and brilliance. Although the three-car trainsets ultimately proved too small for traffic demand during the World War II years, the New Haven's Comet is a stylish and welcome point to begin our monthlong tour of named trains.