X2000 making test runs on the Keystone Corridor, 1992.

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 Intercity 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.

Designed and built by Asea Brown Boveri, Inc. for the Swedish State Railways, the X2000 shown above was tested by Amtrak because it could travel at higher speeds than conventional trains on existing main line track; unlike contemporary French and Japanese high-speed trainsets, it did not require new, dedicated tracks.

The image above shows the X2000 making test runs in December, 1992, prior to entering revenue service early the next year. Leaman Place, located between the Amtrak stations at Lancaster and Parkesburg, is where the heritage Strasburg Rail Road connects with the Keystone Corridor--thus the pairing of the steam locomotive with the modern, electric, high-speed X2000. The bridge in the background carries the historic Lincoln Highway over the tracks.

Photographer: Ingwar Afeldt. From the Ingwar Afeldt Collection.