The Aerotrain is a retired streamlined trainset introduced in 1955 by the General Motors (GM) Electro-Motive Division (EMD). Originally designated as "Train-Y," it was marketed under the name Aerotrain and was designed to lure passengers back to rail travel while offering railroads a lightweight, cost-effective passenger service option.
Design and Components
GM's Styling Section, led by Chuck Jordan (later known for Cadillac fin designs), created the train's futuristic appearance. Two Aerotrains were built, each powered by an EMD LWT12 diesel-electric locomotive (1,200 hp, using an EMD 567C 12-cylinder engine). The power car's cab mimicked an aircraft cockpit, and the overall design resembled GM automobiles of the era.
Each trainset consisted of ten modified GMC 40-seat intercity bus bodies, resembling the PD-4501 Scenicruiser buses built for Greyhound. The cars were only 40 feet (12 m) long—half the length of standard designs—and were made of aluminum to reduce weight. They rode on two axles with an air suspension system intended to provide a smooth ride, but which instead produced rough, uncomfortable riding conditions.
Operational History
- 1955 (August 22): The first Aerotrain was christened at EMD's plant in McCook, Illinois.
- 1956 (January 5): Test runs were conducted on the Pennsylvania Railroad (Washington to Newark) and the New York Central Railroad (Chicago to Detroit).
- Pennsylvania Railroad: Operated the train between New York City and Pittsburgh as the "Pennsy" (No. 1000), later reduced to Philadelphia–Pittsburgh service until June 1957.
- New York Central: Operated the "Great Lakes Aerotrain" between Chicago and Detroit, then Chicago and Cleveland, returning the train to GM in late 1956.
- Union Pacific: Operated the "City of Las Vegas" between Los Angeles and Las Vegas (December 1956 – September/October 1957).
- Rock Island Line: Purchased both trainsets at a discount in 1958, using them in commuter service between Chicago and Joliet until retirement in 1966.
Performance Issues
The Aerotrain was originally intended to reach 100 mph (161 km/h), but modifications reduced its maximum speed to 80 mph (129 km/h). The 1,200 hp power car was underpowered for the trainset's weight; helper locomotives were needed to climb grades (e.g., Santa Fe required a helper at Sorrento grade near San Diego; Union Pacific needed a GP9 at Cajon Pass). The air suspension system caused a rough, uncomfortable ride, and the locomotive design made routine maintenance difficult.
Preservation
Two EMD LWT12 locomotives and two pairs of passenger cars survive:
- National Railroad Museum (Green Bay, Wisconsin) — Rock Island Aerotrain No. 2 and two coaches.
- National Museum of Transportation (Kirkwood, Missouri) — Rock Island Aerotrain No. 3 and two coaches.
Legacy
- Disneyland operated a scale version called the Viewliner (1957–1959).
- Oregon Zoo (Portland) operates the Zooliner, a 5/8-scale replica in service since 1958.
- Idlewild Park (Reno, Nevada) operates a small train with an Aerotrain-styled locomotive.
