Fred Klein,
2010, 2016
The Union Pacific took delivery of the M10000 train in February 1934. It was the first lightweight, streamlined train in the U.S. It was articulated (all cars permanently coupled), made of aluminum, and powered by a distilate internal combustion engine. The M10000 carbody was built by Pullman Standard and other components came from Winton (General Motors) and General Electric. It was an experimental train, and was very successful. The M10000 spent 1934 on a publicity tour around the country to get the depression-weary public in the mood for riding the sleek, streamlined trains that were to come.
The lead unit had the engine, a turret cab, a baggage compartment and a railway post office. The next car was a coach. The Pullman sleeping car Overland Trail was added in May 1934, but was later added to the M10001 because the M10000 as the City of Salina was a day train. The last car had a coach section and a buffet food section.
In 1936 it entered service as the City of Salina and made daily Kansas City to Salina KS runs. Interest in the train was very high, and UP probably chose minor cities for its run because assignment to major terminals would have overwhelmed its capacity for passengers. The train was scraped in 1942 to contribute aluminum to the war effort, and unfortunately it is not preserved as a milestone of streamlined railroading.
UP promotional drawing from 1934 before the Pullman car was added.
UP photo from 1934 before the Pullman car was added. From page 59, The American Streamliner Prewar Years, Donald Heimberger and Carl Byron, Heimberger House Publishing, 1996.
The M10000 at the Chicago “Century of Progress” exhibition in 1934. The train includes the Pullman sleeper “Overland Trail”, which had 10 sections, a compartment, and a double bedroom.
The first model pictured is made by Concor from injection molded plastic, is completely lighted, and runs very nicely. The second is a brass model made many years ago by Sunset, is more accurately painted, and is not a good runner.
Sunset brass train
The Wikipedia page http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-10000 is informative but is not yet as good as it should be.
http://www.streamlinerschedules.com/concourse/track4/citysalina193809.html has a description and schedule.
Schafer, Mike and Joe Welsh. Classic American Stramliners, Motorbooks International, 1997.
Wills, Keith. Tomorrows train.. Today! A fifty year perspective, Railroad Model Craftsman, December 1983, page 75.
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