The Aerotrain was a high-concept passenger train manufactured by the General Motors Electro-Motive Division. With its sleek and futuristic appearance, this mid-century modern train was built to appeal to commuters at a time when cars were increasingly replacing passenger train service. GM produced two demonstrator sets which they shopped around to several railroads. While they were tested by the New York Central, Pennsylvania, and Union Pacific Railroads, no additional trains were ordered. Testing revealed that the trains rode poorly at high speeds and the passenger cars, which were little more than widened bus bodies, felt uncomfortable and cramped. The Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad purchased the demonstrator sets in 1958 for passenger service between Chicago and Joliet, Illinois where they lasted for less than a decade.
The #3 is exhibited at the Museum with two of its ten original passenger cars. As the Aerotrain has endured the outdoor elements for decades, a cosmetic restoration has been done. |
