Travelling by train is one of the cheapest ways of getting from on point to another. With this thought in mind, General Motors started developing a train that will compete with automobiles and airplanes! The final result was the GM Aerotrain. This futuristic looking train was built in 1955, and only several units were ever made! We have not one, not two, but three videos of the GM Aerotrain!
The first video was taken in St. Louis, Missouri and it shows us the #3 GM Aerotrain. It is well preserved and shown from up close. It was initially built with a new light-weight construction and it had a low center of gravity. Also, it was powered by 1200 horsepower locomotives. Although it was initially built for mainline service, it proved to be problematic. It rode poorly at high speeds and it was very noisy as well! The #3 GM Aerotrain operated until 1965, and the locomotive and two cars were donated in 1966. Not a bad idea to donate old cars to Charity.
To watch the second video, go to page 2
In this video, we have the pleasure of seeing the #2 GM Aerotrain. This one is located in the National Railroad Museum in Green Bay, Wisconsin. This video explains that the cars of the GM Aerotrain were actually modified Greyhound bus bodies, which looked much better than they performed! Due to the cars being so light, at speeds approaching 100 miles per hour, the cars would start to bounce around. The other problem was the technology, which was ahead of its time.
Watch the third video on page 3
There are all kinds of relics in the Transportation Museum. As the presenter puts it, only a few can stop you in your tracks, and the GM Aerotrain is one of them. Apparently, the most common reaction upon first seeing this futuristic train is WOW. As for the rest, you will have to see the video yourself. Enjoy!
At last, click here to find out which are the 10 fastest trains in the world!
