X2000 demonstration train in the snow, 1993.
Color photograph showing the X2000 demonstration train at a station in January, 1993.
- Photograph Details
-
- Date Archived:
- May 2, 2011
- Geography:
- Northeast
- Decade:
- 1990s
- Data Format:
- Image
- Date Created:
- January 1, 1993
- Download the full-sized version of this photo
As Amtrak explored the development of high-speed rail in the early 1990s, it leased two European high-speed trainsets for testing: the Swedish X2000 and the German Inter City Express (ICE). Both trainsets were used in revenue service on the southern portion of the Northeast Corridor in 1993. The equipment was also put on display in cities across the country. Amtrak recorded customer and employee feedback to help in developing specifications for its own high-speed equipment.
Designed and built by Asea Brown Boveri, Inc. for the Swedish State Railways, the X2000 shown above was tested by Amtrak from October 1992 to January 1993, and was used in revenue service on the Northeast Corridor for about five months, February through May and August through September. From May to July, it was taken on a national tour around the 48 continental states for demonstration stops at significant stations and also toured parts of Canada.
Photo courtesy of Dave Warner.
