Tuesday, June 5, 2018

The Aerotrain



What can I say?  I like trains.  The Aerotrain wasn't a very successful model.  Part of it was that the age of passenger rail was in the process of dying.  Part, despite the great styling, it wasn't a very good way to travel.  It was manufactured by General Motors and designed by their chief designer, Chuck Jordan.  The passenger cars were modified buses that ran on twin axles with air suspension.  The air suspension was supposed to give a smooth ride, sadly it did not. 

Only a few railroad lines bought the Aerotrain.  This postcard is from the Pennsylvania Railroad.  In 1956 the Aerotrain ran from New York City to Pittsburgh.  From 1956 to 1957, between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.  This particular shot was taken near Paoli, PA and dated 1956, which would put it on the Philadelphia to Pittsburgh route.  It's credited to photographer Clarence Cade.  I found a lot of photos of his, on line, but no biographical information.

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