NYC M-497 "Jet Train"

[cjberndt]

This is a presentation about NYC's RDC-3 M-497 Jet Train runs in July 1966. The Jet Train made three timed runs in two days between Butler, Ind., and Stryker, Ohio, allegedly to test the effects of high-speed service on existing jointed rail. M-497 set the still-standing passenger rail speed record in the U.S.

The presentation will be at NMRA's local chapter meeting:

Monday, July 13
7:00 p.m.
Former PRR station
221 W. Baker St.
Ft. Wayne

It is free and open to the public. Bring your M-497 models and photos.

Craig Berndt

[cjberndt]

I forgot to include the photo.

Try modeling the 3 in. clearance between the front skirt and top-of-rail.

Craig

[Notch 8]

It's kind of disappointing that the M-497 was scrapped instead of residing in a museum today...

[cjberndt]

It would have been a nice museum piece, but NYC President Perlman didn't give away anything; note the absence of Niagaras and Hudsons in museums. On an historical note, Pres. Perlman was in the left seat of M-497 during the runs.

M-497 returned to regular service without the gas turbines, which were converted to track switch heaters in winter.

The

[Notch 8]

It would have been a nice museum piece, but NYC President Perlman didn't give away anything; note the absence of Niagaras and Hudsons in museums. On an historical note, Pres. Perlman was in the left seat of M-497 during the runs.

M-497 returned to regular service without the gas turbines, which were converted to track switch heaters in winter.

The

Heaters or Cleaners ?

[cjberndt]

My error: the gas turbines were mounted on snow blowers, a common practice on NYC.

M-497 operated as an RDC until the mid-1970s. There's an internet photo of it in storage in 1978 as PC #98.

Craig