Part of the post-World War II experimentation with "super
lightweights," the Aerotrain is perhaps the most famous and certainly one
of the most unusual attempts at resurrecting dwindling U.S. passenger revenues.
Even its design is an example of cost-efficiency: the 1200 horsepower locomotive
was basically a dressed-up version of an EMD switcher, and the passenger cars
were modified intercity bus carbodies riding on two axles. But having these
common mix-and-match parts did not mean the Aerotrain was generic! The
distinctive outlines of the turret-cab carbody are unmistakable.
Only two Aerotrain sets were built in 1956, and they were leased to four
railroads, including the Pennsylvania, for testing before they were finally sold
to Rock Island in 1958. They saw service for only ten years before they were
donated in 1966 to the National Transportation Museums in Green Bay and St.
Louis.
This futuristic train is a fascinating part of U.S. railroading history, and
M.T.H. is proud to make it available in the livery it wore while in service for
the PRR.
Features:
- O-GaugeThis futuristic set is in like new condition. There are no marks, breaks or defects and it looks to barely have been run. We have track tested it to make sure all features work properly. Includes the box and instructions.
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