One odd footnote to future train technology is the M-497, a jet-propelled
RDC car that the New York Central tested in 1966.  It wasn't meant to really
suggest a future type of locomotive, but rather to test if high-speed rail
was feasible on existing track.  The test engineering staff at the New York
Central Railroad's Cleveland Technical Center obtained some surplus jet
engines, and strapped them on to the top of an RDC from a NYCRR subsidiary.
Then the vehicle was towed out to Bryan, Ohio where the NYCRR had their
longest length of track without any curves, and for several days, the M-497
underwent various speed tests, while computers and recorders in the vehicle
recorded the stresses on the rails caused by the high speed.  One one day,
the M-497 was clocked at 183.85 miles per hour, which was an American
railroading speed record.  And actually, the M-497 was throttling back when
it hit the speed testing section, so it was going faster before it got
timed!  The tests did prove that it would have been feasible for the
railroad to operate at high speeds without having to replace much of their
trackage.  Sadly, soon after the tests, the NYCRR ceased all passenger
operations.  The M-497 had its jet engines removed, and it was put back into
service.

A story about this railroad oddball is in the Sept/Oct 2000 issue of
TIMELINE magazine.


--
Christopher J. Dawson
Curator of Urban and Industrial History
Crawford Museum of Transportation and Industry Design Task Force
Western Reserve Historical Society
10825 East Boulevard
Cleveland, Ohio 44106
216-721-5722 x247
[log in to unmask]

"History is a guide to navigation in perilous times. History is who we are
and why we are the way we are." -- David McCullough

> From: Sara Badiali <[log in to unmask]>
> Reply-To: Museum discussion list <[log in to unmask]>
> Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 09:43:39 -0500
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: future train technology
>
> I am looking for information on railroad technology and future technology of
> railroads (prototypes, etc.) to use in an exhibit about the science of
> trains. Any suggestions?
> Thanks in advance,
> Sara
> Cincinnati Museum Center
>
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