Thursday, January 5, 2017

Rock Island Rockets



The original six Rockets to and from different destinations - list here - were introduced in 1937, but this poster looks to date from the early 1950s.

"The Rockets were lightweight, streamlined stainless steel passenger trains built by the Budd Company. These six trains were the first streamlined equipment purchased by the Rock Island, as well as being its first diesel-powered passenger trains. Four of the trains consisted of three cars each, the other two each had four cars.

"The trains were each powered by an Electro-Motive Corporation model TA locomotive. Unlike many other early streamlined trains, the locomotives were not permanently attached to the trains. The trains were articulated except for the observation cars."

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