This unique jet-turbine-powered trainset, designed by United Aircraft and built by Sikorsky, entered service in 1969. It was operated in the North-East Corridor of the USA by Penn Central (later by Amtrak), and on the Toronto-Montreal route by Canadian National (Later by VIA).
Early reception from both operators and the travelling public was favourable, and further units were ordered and built into the 70s. However, faced with increasing competition from airlines, the decline and rationalisation of long-distance passenger travel in North America resulted in all units being withdrawn from service by the early 1980s. None survive in preservation.
The TurboTrain still holds rail speed records in both the USA and Canada, and represents a unique chapter in the history of high-speed rail travel.