The New York Central Railroad's Ohio Xplorer in June 1956.
(Ed Nowak, New York Central Railroad Staff Photographer (work-for-hire), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
TRAIN X
Train X, known as the Dan'l Webster on the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad, was a groundbreaking innovation. This lightweight consist comprised nine Pullman-Standard short, all-aluminum articulated coaches, uniquely paired with two 1,000-horsepower Baldwin RP-210 diesel-hydraulic locomotives—one at each end. This configuration was designed for efficiency and a distinctive passenger experience.
Operational Highlights
The Dan'l Webster operated between New York City's Grand Central Terminal and Boston's South Station from 1957 to 1958. A similar train, the New York Central Railroad's Ohio Xplorer, ran between Cleveland and Cincinnati from 1956 to 1957, featuring a slightly different configuration with a single locomotive.
Key Takeaways
- Innovative Articulation: Train X featured a unique set of nine all-aluminum articulated coaches, built by Pullman Standard and designed for lightweight efficiency.
- Dual Locomotive Power: The consist was propelled by two powerful Baldwin RP-210 diesel-hydraulic locomotives, one at each end, offering a distinct operational setup.
- Limited but Memorable Service: Operating for short periods in the late 1950s on major Northeast rail lines, Train X represents a pioneering effort in passenger rail design.
