Idaho State Journal from Pocatello, Idaho • Page 22

Page 2 Section Idaho State Journal POCATELLO, IDAHO. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1974 TRAIN OF THE FUTURE? operate of 125-plus mph CHICAGO When Hie first of Amtrak's two new Frencli- built turbine trains traveled here from the port of Klizabetli, recently, a reporter on Iward placed an almost-full cup of water on the floor next to his scat. Two days later, when the red, white and blue turbo pulled into its maintenance and testing facility here, the cup was still fullof water. And the newsman's simple experiment had attracted the attention of rail equipment engineers from prance, Finland and the United States. "It tells me as much about rule quality as $80,000 worth of test equipment," said one expert.

It also confirmed what most of the riders aboard that first operation run already had concluded: A French lovelies are as smooth in perforiiKuice as in appearance. The two trains leased from ANF-FKANGFCO, Hie French builders, are now in scheduled operation in the Milwaukee -Chicago St. Louis corridor. Amtruk's contract provides an option to buy these and a further eight of the five-car, 2'JG-pas- trains. The French buildt RTGs (an abbreviation for "Kume a Turbine a are capble of speeds up to 120 mph.

but probably will held to no more than 90 on U.S. schedules until a familiarization period is over and track improvements can be made. Even so, the trains are expected to shrink schedules und add a new sparkle to Anilrak's mid-western mils. During the initial run here, over the route of the Broadway Limited, speeds were held to 50 mph. At each stop rail fans gathered to admire and take pictures.

Crowds were particularly large and curious at such traditional railroad towns as Altoona, and Crestline, O. Curiosity about the new trains by rail buffs stems from the belief of many that the 1970s may be the decade of the fur- bine train. In railroading, first it was steam. Then diesel and electric power dominated the rails over most of the world. Now, many enthusiasts believe, the future at least for high.

New arrivals These books are inongtheiiew arrivals on the shelves of the Pocatello Public Library: "Villains and Vigilantes," by Staiiton A. Coblentz. The story of pioneer justice in California, "Ghost Towns and Live Ones," by Frank I). Schell. A history of Idaho Post Offices, 18G2-1973.

"The Responsive Chord," by Tony Schwartz. This took explores the world of sound. "Distinguished Company," by Sir John Gielpid. A portrait album of actors and actresses he lias-known. "N'onnau Mailer," by ared Piorier.

Thecontradictory nature of Mailer's art and power. "A Many-Windowed House," by Malcolm Cowley. Essays on American writers and writing. "From Satchmo to Miles," by Leonard Feather. A personal look at 13 key jazz personalities.

"Zane GKFY, Ontdoorsnian," edited by George lieigor. Grey's ties! hunting and fishing tales. "Hobby Fischer's Chess Games." edited by K. G. Wade.

Revised and enlarged edition of tlie complete tournament record of the new World Chess Amtrak's new turboliners One of Amtrak's two new French-built turbine trains is pictured in Chicago during tests last fall The two trains are now operating on specially-upgraded track in the Milwaukee-Chicago corridor. Rising in the background alright is Chicago's 110-story Sears Tower, which will be the world's loftiest building when completed. (Amtrak photo) speed, medium distance rail travel is turbine power. Here in Hie U.S. two turbine trains, built by United Aircraft, have been operating between Boston and New York for over four years.

The Canadians, too, have been experimenting with the United Aircraft trains. Spe. cialists, however, credit the French witli grabbing the lead in turbine train technology and keeping it. The French National Railways began turbine train research in 1905 and have been operating Europe's first scheduled service since 1970, between Paris and Cherbourg. They have clock, ed over 5 million passenger miles on their turbos, averaging over 99 per cent reliability.

lUdership is up more than 25 per cent on runs where the turbos are in use. The Turbos which will go into Amtrak service are a second generation. The first had a turbine engine (developed for use in a French army helicopter) in one end and a diesel in the other. The current model has a two Turbomeca air. craft.type gas turbines, plus two smaller turbines which provide power for on-train needs like airconditioning and automatic doors.

A third generation turbo is undergoing tests. The French say a third generation test mode! lias achieved 197 mph. and will do 160 mph. in commerical service. The British also are experimenting with turbine trains and have developed a prototype.

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