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The record-breaker is the first high-speed train in the U. S. to use a V-type Diesel engine in combination with electric power. Her submarine-type 900-h. p., 12-cyl. two-cycle Winton engine drives a generator which furnishes power to four electric traction motors. Oil fuel costs less than 4¢ per mile—$80 for last week's trip compared with an equivalent $300 coal bill for a steam train. Built by Pullman Car & Mfg. Corp. of aluminum alloy at a cost of $500,000, the train consists of six cars (power, mail-baggage, coach-buffet, three sleepers) fitted together into one unbroken line from grilled snout to rounded tail. The U. P. unit weighs 200 tons; a six-car steam train, 700.
Less notable than its speed and economy was M-10001's performance as regards comfort. It lurched on curves. Even Mr. Harriman admitted that vibration at high speeds made improvements necessary. Much smaller than the standard Pullman, its berths seat only one person in each direction and square-shouldered passengers have to move sideways up its narrow aisle.
This winter M10001 will be put in regular service between the Pacific Coast and Chicago on a 40-hr. schedule. Now building for U. P. are two similar streamline trains, of nine cars each, of standard width.
* Next day a streamlined motor train of French State Railways attained 120 m.p.h. over a four-mile stretch between Le Mans and Connerre on the regular Paris-Deauville run.
* Fastest present transcontinental time is 72¾ hr. by Twentieth Century and the Santa Fe's Chief. Extra fare: $10 on each train.