On July 23, 1966, New York Central set a new U.S. railroad speed record when jet-powered RDC M-497, dubbed the Pride of the New York Central, hit 183.85 mph on a 24-mile tangent section of 26-year-old joined rail between Butler, Ind. and Stryker, Ohio. The RDC sported cylindrical wheels in place of normal tapered-tread wheels, skirting, an additional set of shock absorbers, and a sloped nose with F-unit number boards for windshields. The modifications reportedly cost just $35,000.
The Central said the jet RDC was a scientific experiment to determine the capabilities of standard equipment to run at ultra-high speed. But some observers darkly suggested that it was an attempt to generate good publicity even as the railroad was plotting to murder its passenger trains – this same year, 1966, the NYC would seek permission to end its legendary 20th Century Limited.
Whatever the reason, the jet RDC was a fascinating mix of old and new technology and bold innovation.
I remember they came out with a map of what were to be their new high speed routes. Missing were their long distance routes. They replied that there no longer was a need for such routes.
Perhaps both explanations have some validity . In 1967, NYC proposed the EMPIRE SERVICE, intrastate (New York), fast, frequent service, to replace its most of its traditional trains. Equipment came from the “Great Steel Fleet” (nickname for Central’s Budd passenger trains/cars). Higher train speeds were necessary for the service to succeed, or at least not be a total failure.