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Original painting was painted by William Harnden Foster (1886 – 1941). Foster was known for his hunting and fishing paintings but also painted the 20th Century Limited for the NYC. Here’s a link to some of his artwork https://americangallery20th.wordpress.com/2014/09/30/william-harnden-foster-1886-1941/

I heard that the original hung in the Mopac’s president office. It wasn’t there in the 1970’s so I can only assume it is hanging in a former MP’s senior officer’s home. I have no idea when he painted the original for the Mopac but the plaque places this framed print after the MP-IM merger in May 1917.

If I were to guess I say these were made after L. W. Baldwin became president of the railroad in 1923 to advertise the Sunshine Special. The Mopac did take delivery of a more modern Pacific locomotive in 1921 (6440-6444) and one would think they’d would have chosen the latest design for the painting but I remember a conversation I had with Mike Adams back in the 1970’s and Mike said the painting was made from an Iron Mountain photograph (pre-1917) which would explain 6434 being on the headend of the train. The Mopac did issue a later modernized version of this painting by having a artist add a bell to the smoke box front, centering the headlight on the smoke box and numbering the engine 6615. This was issued the same time as the framed colored prints seen of scenes in Mexico, the Alamo, the Royal Gorge and the Mopac’s General Office. I’m guessing these were issued in the late 1930’s judging by the automobiles in the photos. The painting I have hangs over the fireplace in our family room.

These aren’t rare as I’ve seen several in antique shops over the years both the glass framed prints and the version with the realitic brush strokes. Quick google search will turn up a few on ebay for bid too.

Welcome others to weigh in on thoughts when this painting was reproduced by the Mopac.