UAC TurboTrain

UAC TurboTrain
A VIA Rail TurboTrain in October 1980
In service1968–1982 (Canada)
1968–1976 (US)
ManufacturerUnited Aircraft Corporation
Constructed1967–1968
Number built7 trainsets
Number preserved0
Number scrapped7
Formation9 cars per trainset (Canada - CN/VIA)
7 cars per trainset (Canada - CN)
5 cars per trainset (US - Amtrak)
3 cars per trainset (US - New Haven/DOT)
Capacity322 (seven-car set)
OperatorsCanadian National Railways
Via Rail
Amtrak
New Haven
Penn Central
Illinois Central Railroad (Proposed)
DepotsTracks 4,5,6 - Montreal Central Station (VIA/CN)
Wilmington Shops - Bear, DE (Amtrak)
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminum
Train length7 cars: 430 ft 8 in (131.27 m)
Car lengthPower Cars: 73 ft 3 in (22.33 m)
Intermediate Cars: 56 ft 10 in (17.32 m)
Width10 ft 5 in (3.18 m)
HeightCoach: 10 ft 11 in (3.33 m)
Dome: 12 ft 11 in (3.94 m)
Exhausts: 13 ft 10 in (4.22 m)
Floor height2 ft 7 in (0.79 m)
Maximum speed170 mph (274 km/h) (design)
120 mph (193 km/h) (service)
Weight7 cars: 165.6 long tons (185.5 short tons; 168.3 tonnes)
Traction systemDirect drive through gearbox
Prime mover(s)Pratt & Whitney Canada ST6
Engine typeGas turbine (Turboshaft)
Power output7 car: 2,000 hp (1,491 kW)[1]
(400 hp or 298 kW per engine)
TransmissionMechanical
Electric system(s)600 V DC Third rail
into Grand Central Terminal only
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
UIC classification7 car: B′1′1′1′1′1′1′B′
Track gauge4 ft 8+12 in (1,435 mm)

The UAC TurboTrain was an early high-speed, gas turbine train manufactured by United Aircraft that operated in Canada between 1968 and 1982 and in the United States between 1968 and 1976. It was one of the first gas turbine-powered trains to enter service for passenger traffic, and was also one of the first tilting trains to enter service in North America.

  1. ^ Sikorsky Archives. "Sikorsky Product History - Turbo Train". www.sikorskyarchives.com.