GM Aerotrain
This late 50's effort by GM was supposed to be the "train of the future", and bring post-war travelers back to the railroads.
Its consist, designed entirely by GM, was an EMD switch engine with futuristic bodywork designed by future GM automotive styling head Chuck Jordan, trailed by cars consisting of GM bus bodies mounted on dual-wheeled trucks.
The result was a bone-jarring ride that was the bane of its test runs on the New York Central, Pennsylvania and Union Pacific Railroads. Rock Island Lines eventually bought the two existing train sets and relagated them to commuter service, where they lasted until the late 60's.
The other Aerotrain locomotive (and two cars) is located at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI.
GM Aerotrain
This late 50's effort by GM was supposed to be the "train of the future", and bring post-war travelers back to the railroads.
Its consist, designed entirely by GM, was an EMD switch engine with futuristic bodywork designed by future GM automotive styling head Chuck Jordan, trailed by cars consisting of GM bus bodies mounted on dual-wheeled trucks.
The result was a bone-jarring ride that was the bane of its test runs on the New York Central, Pennsylvania and Union Pacific Railroads. Rock Island Lines eventually bought the two existing train sets and relagated them to commuter service, where they lasted until the late 60's.
The other Aerotrain locomotive (and two cars) is located at the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, WI.