Philip Morris' Marlboro Unlimited
This vibrantly red locomotive is one of only two EMD F59PHI units ordered by Philip Morris, parent company of Marlboro. Why on earth did a cigarette brand choose to buy a train, you ask? It all started in 1994 when PM created a special promotion involving a train ride from Denver, Colorado to Billings, Montana and back again. Named the Marlboro Unlimited, this trip was intended to be offered exclusively for sweepstakes winners and not available for regular ticket payers.
To build its 19-car train behind the locomotives, Philip Morris turned to Rader Railcar and ordered eight sleepers, three lounge cars, two diners, and a special observation car called the “spa car”. All of these were to be bi-level (except for the latter) and also have dome windows for the best views of the passing scenery. Additionally, one of the diners was to have a library and cinema while one lounge car was intended to be a nightclub. Between the locomotives and the bi-levels are a power generator car, a baggage car, two crew sleepers, and one crew diner, all of which would be single level and reserved for staff members serving the train.
In order to carry the passengers from the train to remote places, Philip Morris purchased at least seven coach buses from Prevost Car of Quebec, Canada. However, PM considered acquiring five auto carriers that would transport the buses and some smaller vehicles to reduce operating costs. For that reason, a third F59PHI locomotive was proposed to assist the Marlboro Unlimited combined with the auto carriers or even to pull only the carriers as a separate train.
Unfortunately, the Unlimited never became a reality due to complications in PM’s marketing as well as Rader’s production difficulties with the excursion coaches, which never rolled out of the factory. The third locomotive and the auto carriers were also canceled, but the two existing units were successfully given their new lives on the Metrolink commuter rail system in Southern California. No, I do NOT smoke at all, unless I’m a steam or diesel train! While the trip onboard the Marlboro Unlimited was essentially supposed to be for cigarette smokers, it would be a fascinating journey between Denver and Billings like any other example of train travel.
A promotional video showing the Marlboro Unlimited