RTG Turboliner illustration, 1970s.
Pen and ink illustration depicting a RTG Turboliner passing through the countryside; image likely dates to the late 1970s.
- Artwork Details
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- Date Archived:
- February 24, 2015
- Geography:
- Midwest
- Decade:
- 1970s
- Data Format:
- Image
- Download the full-sized version of this photo
The gas turbine RTG Turboliners, based on a French design and capable of reaching speeds of up to 125 mph, were initially introduced on the Chicago-St. Louis route in fall 1973. Over the next few years, they spread to other routes emanating from the Chicago hub. A later version known as the RTL Turboliner was delivered to Amtrak in 1976-1977 for use on services in upstate New York. An advertisement for the Turboliners in the national timetable issued on October 28, 1973, stated: "You glide down the track so smoothly you can scarcely feel the rails...[while] interiors feature French styling in simple sunny colors." This illustration was likely commissioned for use in promotional materials. Artist: Unknown for Amtrak. From the Ann Owens Collection.
