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Post by alexweihmann on Feb 27, 2007 18:20:09 GMT -5
Can someone tell me about the New York Central Xplorer?
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Post by Barry on Feb 27, 2007 18:21:17 GMT -5
Unfortunatly i couldnt. I have no idea what it is.
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Post by alexweihmann on Feb 27, 2007 18:35:03 GMT -5
i think it was some kind of turbo train to boost passanger numbers during the decline in passanger service.
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Post by Barry on Feb 27, 2007 18:38:27 GMT -5
Sounds cool
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rrredneck
Conductor
Proud to be a railroad redneck! YEEHAAW!!
Posts: 156
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Post by rrredneck on Mar 1, 2007 10:41:31 GMT -5
Your guess is as good as mine.
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Post by alexweihmann on Mar 1, 2007 21:07:51 GMT -5
I found something on it.
April 1956- New York Central introduced two modern, innovative trains in an effort to spark more interest in passenger travel. Riding on an air-cushioned suspension, designers hoped the trains would offer a smoother ride with less weight and smaller motive power. Not quite. The ride was considerably harsher than with regular lightweight cars, and the Ohio Xplorer's engine was notoriously unreliable.
The Great Lakes Aerotrain ran from Detroit to Chicago until July, when it moved to Toledo and ran over Toledo West until October 1956. To quote from the April 29, 1956 timetable: "The Central's fast, lightweight Aerotrain introduces dozens of delightful new ideas to rail coach travel. The Aerotrain's coaches are lower and shorter (half the length of a normal rail car)- yet wonderfully roomy and sumptously comfortable. And there'll be food service for everyone! Though not primarily designed for speed, the Aerotrain can top 100 mph with ease and comfort, while you enjoy a smooth, level ride on its bellows-like air suspension system- at no extra fare!"
The Ohio Xplorer ran (that is rarely under its own power!) on the CCC&St.L. (Big Four) line from Cleveland to Cincinnati. To quote the timetable again: "For a smoother ride, a unique suspension system literally floats your coach on a column of air. The low center of gravity and ingenious torsion units keep it- and you- always on an even keel. Interiors are strikingly modern and handsomely functional. Windows are big, unobstructed, soothingly tinted. Food is delicious...and comes right to your seat on a rolling buffet!" The poor Xplorer often failed to make it to its destination under its own power and had to be towed around by lesser power such as GP7s or F7s.
Both trains proved a failure and were dropped- the Aerotrain in October 1956 and the Ohio Xplorer in 1957. Passenger travel continued to decline up until the end on February 1, 1968.
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