… Long time passing …” (with apologies to Pete Seeger).
As I understand it there were 7 US-built “RTL” models (used primarily on New York state “Empire Service” routes) and 6 French-built “RTG” model Turboliners (used primarily on Midwest and Michigan routes).
Here is what I think I know:
Four of the Rohr RTL models were in various stages of re-build at SuperSteel in upstate NY when the plug was pulled on the project, and they were recently sold for scrap by New York State.
The remaining 3 RTLs, on which the rebuilds were completed, allegedly had air conditioning problems, were never “accepted” by Amtrak, and are now in storage at Amtrak’s Bear DE facility.
My questions:
Was the A/C really a problem, or merely a ruse (as some have suggested) because Amtrak wanted to unwind the NY agreement?
Are those 3 RTLs still at Bear?
Whatever happened to the 6 ANF French-built models based in Chicago? Haven’t seen anything that talks about them. Scrapped? Still in storage somewhere? Sent back to France?
One of the Frangeco RTG cab car shells survives, on its side, in a scrapyard. I believe that is the only piece of the original Turboliners that survived.
I don’t think we are going to know if the HVAC or turbine exhaust ignition hazards were real or trumped-up. I doubt Amtrak will ever find a use for three trains with a cost that makes you think of having an expensive mistress at every station, not just every division point. That’s a pity, as the rebuilds were very interesting high-speed trains.
I have gotten the sense that Paul’s interest was more in the UAC/Sikorsky TurboTrain, with that train’s more revolutionary (for the time) tilt and articulation mechainisms.
I think so. His dad may have had a connection. Possibly on the same thread there was someone else who addressed the fuel consumption issue for turbine engines.
Would it be feasable to replace one of the power cars with a Genesis unit and operate it that way? These trainsets would be a great fit on the ADIRONDACK with their larger windows and since this train is turned at both end points the trailing power car could be modified into a business class car. The third set could be used for spare cars during peak travel periods. If they can be modified in this way then they should be put to use.