Rear-Propeller Trains (a.k.a. "Rail Zeppelin")
Starting in 1924 as part of the effort to provide economical public transportation for the growing working-classes of industrialized nations.
Coming in at over 85 feet in length and about 10 feet tall, it weighs more than 20 tons and uses wheels of more than three feet in diameter. The engine is an aircraft motor that produces in excess of 600 hp and the prop is a four blade unit made of wood. It is designed to be a multi-compartment style engine that would can seat more than 30 people with smoking and non-smoking sections, a dining area, and bathroom.
The train officially attracted world attention in 1931 when the train went out and ran 125 mph, then 145 mph to set a new speed record for trains.
page revision: 10, last edited: 07 Feb 2010 01:10