There are some train-routes that became legendary during the past. In former times they were real means of transportation for long-distance travel. Nowadays their main purpose is tourism. In some countries (e.g. Russia) they still are important parts of their transport systems.
... in Brazil
Cangaço (criminal riots)
Café com leite (reference to Brazil's domination by the "coffee oligarchs")
Coronelismo (reference to machine politics)
...