fastest Budd car

What's the confirmed top speed record for a Budd EMU? I've heard Penn Central got a modified Budd consist up to 190mph on the NEC. any truth to that rumor?

In the late 60's, the PRR ran the Budd-built Metroliner prototypes up to 165 MPH on the straight track between New Brunswick and Trenton.

The current U.S. Rail Speed record of 183.68 mph was achieved in 1966 by a modified Budd Car owned by New York Central known as the M-497 Black Beetle. It was a Budd RDC with jet engines strapped to its roof. That test I think occurred somewhere in Ohio.

Imagine the noise?

I searched Google for "Silverliner speed test" and found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7mEoZypX8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

25Hz should by now know what a EMU is, its not what is in his picture, just sayin..

DutchRailnut wrote:25Hz should by now know what a EMU is, its not what is in his picture, just sayin..

While it is true the original poster asked a question about Budd EMUs, the op titled the thread the "fastest Budd car". The forum in question is "Self Propelled Railcars"
The modified DMU (RDC) at 183+ mph is almost 20 mph faster than Metroliners (EMU) at 165 mph and it is definitely a self propelled Budd car. I'm not aware if the non self propelled Budd built Metroliners rumor of 190 mph is true or not.

If NYC was really thinkin', they would have made provision for those jet engines to be turned 180 degrees so it would go just as fast on the return trip.

Les

The people in the RDC jet car had to have nerves of steel. It looks like that car is running on jointed rail. I'm sure that track wasnt rated at over 80 MPH. WHEW!!! Crazy!

If you want more information on the M-497, look for the book titled "Flight of the M-497." It is co-written by the actual operator of the car, Don Wetzel, and is quite an interesting read.

BobLI wrote:The people in the RDC jet car had to have nerves of steel. It looks like that car is running on jointed rail. I'm sure that track wasnt rated at over 80 MPH. WHEW!!! Crazy!

According to the book, Mr. Wetzel was one of the last engineers to operate a steam train on the Central, and was selected because he was also an aircraft pilot who was familiar with jet engines. The run did occur on jointed rail.

electricron wrote: While it is true the original poster asked a question about Budd EMUs, the op titled the thread the "fastest Budd car". The forum in question is "Self Propelled Railcars"
The modified DMU (RDC) at 183+ mph is almost 20 mph faster than Metroliners (EMU) at 165 mph and it is definitely a self propelled Budd car. I'm not aware if the non self propelled Budd built Metroliners rumor of 190 mph is true or not.

I went and read the book again, and Mr. Wetzel claimed that the M-497 actually did reach 190 mph, but was only recorded at 183 mph since it was deceleating through the speed points.

Seriously, read the book. I have an electronic copy.

chrisf wrote:I searched Google for "Silverliner speed test" and found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7mEoZypX8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of these cars is sitting in an industrial park near where I did my MBA summer internship in Newport News, VA:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Matt Johnson wrote:

chrisf wrote:I searched Google for "Silverliner speed test" and found this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW7mEoZypX8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

One of these cars is sitting in an industrial park near where I did my MBA summer internship in Newport News, VA:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =3&theater" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Is that a Silverliner II?