Can anyone provide me with the date that Amtrak discontinued operating and retired the United Aircraft Turbotrains?
I don’t recall that Amtrak ever operated the United Aircraft Turbotrains in regular service. The only railroad to buy them for regular service was Canadian National. Penn Central used them between NY and Boston for a while and Amtrak may have continued that for a short time after taking over on May 1, 1971, but the trains continued to be owned by UA.
For the past 5 years turbo train 59 has been at a scrap yard at Linton Indiana.The locomotive and two coaches are gutted,minus trucks and seats.
Just to let people know, I was able to finally find the retirement information on the Amtrak Historical Society’s web page links. The trains were actually retired in 1976 and were painted in Amtrak colors. Thanks for the other input.
FYI - AMTRAK ran the Turbos for a time as a Washington DC to Parkersburg WV train the “Potomac Turbo” (TERRIBLE idea, as they were not at all suited to the track and terrain) and for several years in NY-Boston service. Rode them often between Boston and New London CT. Would have sis this lasted up thru about 1975 or so. Near the end of service they were :just plain worn out" and subject to frequent fires due to poor (non aircraft standards) mechanical maintenance.
I wish one set could be preserved, they are an interesting part of railroad history, has any organization tried?
James
Canadian National bought 3 of the turbo trains and ran them along the St. Lawrence corridor. In 1977 Via Rail took over passenger operations in Canada and thus took over the turbo trains. They were soon retired after two burned up on the rails. It is unknown where the third train is. Via had a habit back in the eary 80’s of putting stuff in warehouses and forgetting about it (out of sight, out of mind) along with other such items such as the 2 E8’s CP had before the changeover