Old Time Trains

Dayliners

9051_9050 brand new RDC-1's built by Budd in 1953 on display to the public at long-closed North Toronto station
October 29, 1953 Three photographs: Jim Parker

Named Dayliner by the CPR the name stuck for both public and employees who also called them "Budd Cars". Few knew them as RDC's. The newest thing in passenger travel, the Dayliner, a fast, good-looking stainless steel self-propelled car in which you could travel in air-conditioned comfort. These two cars went into Toronto-London service Monday, November 9, 1953 which was extended to Windsor and Detroit effective November 30th.

The fast schedule took less time than the famous Jubilee 4-4-4's. While the Budd Cars could only make 90 mph compared
to an all-out 112 1/2 for the steam locomotives, it was their sports car acceleration and braking that allowed schedules to be reduced everywhere they went. This along with their economic and dependable operation saved many a passenger train.
CPR would go on to acquire the second largest fleet (55) of RDC's in North America after Boston & Maine with 109.

The puzzle is; Why were there two brand new Express Refrigerator ("reefer") cars also on display? Anyone know?
Likely a major shipper was invited to see both to gain favour with them for both passenger and express services.

Article about display train of brand new Dayliners elsewhere and about Special press train Toronto-Bolton.
Spanner December 1953

Flyer announcing new Dayliner service effective November 30,1953. Old Time Trains archives

Card announcing additional Dayliner service effective April 26, 1954 Old Time Trains archives

Read more in the London Division Passenger service page.

Back to Toronto Division page.

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Old Time Trains © 2009

Dayliners

9051_9050 brand new RDC-1's built by Budd in 1953 on display to the public at long-closed North Toronto station
October 29, 1953 Three photographs: Jim Parker

Named Dayliner by the CPR the name stuck for both public and employees who also called them "Budd Cars". Few knew them as RDC's. The newest thing in passenger travel, the Dayliner, a fast, good-looking stainless steel self-propelled car in which you could travel in air-conditioned comfort. These two cars went into Toronto-London service Monday, November 9, 1953 which was extended to Windsor and Detroit effective November 30th.

The fast schedule took less time than the famous Jubilee 4-4-4's. While the Budd Cars could only make 90 mph compared
to an all-out 112 1/2 for the steam locomotives, it was their sports car acceleration and braking that allowed schedules to be reduced everywhere they went. This along with their economic and dependable operation saved many a passenger train.
CPR would go on to acquire the second largest fleet (55) of RDC's in North America after Boston & Maine with 109.

The puzzle is; Why were there two brand new Express Refrigerator ("reefer") cars also on display? Anyone know?
Likely a major shipper was invited to see both to gain favour with them for both passenger and express services.

Article about display train of brand new Dayliners elsewhere and about Special press train Toronto-Bolton.
Spanner December 1953

Flyer announcing new Dayliner service effective November 30,1953. Old Time Trains archives

Card announcing additional Dayliner service effective April 26, 1954 Old Time Trains archives

Read more in the London Division Passenger service page.

Back to Toronto Division page.