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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAmerican Ingenuity Stifled - The Supertrain of 1979
On February 7th, 1979, thousands of Americans were introduced to the Supertrain, which ran from New York to Los Angeles. Nuclear-powered, the super-wide-bodied train topped out at 190 miles per hour and boasted on-board luxuries like a swimming pool, a discotheque, a shopping center and a movie theater. It even had a dedicated on-board Social Director.
But it only made nine voyages over three months and here is why.
But it only made nine voyages over three months and here is why.
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So now you see why I don't have much faith that America will ever produce a coast-to-coast high-speed rail system. We can't even get it right on TV.
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American Ingenuity Stifled - The Supertrain of 1979 (Original Post)
Agschmid
Feb 2015
OP
Brings back memories of lazy afternoons sitting in front of the TV in the family room...
KansDem
Feb 2015
#5
I wasn't around when it was on, but it sure is interesting to check out the history.
Agschmid
Feb 2015
#6
Response to Agschmid (Original post)
olddots This message was self-deleted by its author.
Enrique
(27,461 posts)2. Steve and Eydie was their first mistake
KansDem
(28,498 posts)3. You can have your Supertrain, just leave me...
SUPERCAR!!!
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)4. Love this!
Such interesting stuff huh?
KansDem
(28,498 posts)5. Brings back memories of lazy afternoons sitting in front of the TV in the family room...
I noticed YouTube has complete episodes! I may watch one this Saturday afternoon...
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)6. I wasn't around when it was on, but it sure is interesting to check out the history.
bananas
(27,509 posts)7. We also had a nuclear-powered Greyhound bus in 1976
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074205/
The Big Bus (1976)
The ultimate disaster film parody. A nuclear powered bus is going Non-stop from New York to Denver and is plagued by disasters due to the machinations of a mysterious group allied with the Oil lobby. When the driver is injured a washed up, down on his luck, but used to be great type, who as it happens, used to be engaged to the inventor's daughter is brought in to drive the giant bus which includes a one lane swimming pool and a one lane bowling alley.
The Big Bus (1976)
The ultimate disaster film parody. A nuclear powered bus is going Non-stop from New York to Denver and is plagued by disasters due to the machinations of a mysterious group allied with the Oil lobby. When the driver is injured a washed up, down on his luck, but used to be great type, who as it happens, used to be engaged to the inventor's daughter is brought in to drive the giant bus which includes a one lane swimming pool and a one lane bowling alley.
If you like movies like Airplane!, you'll like this one.
Agschmid
(28,749 posts)9. I'm going to have to google this one!
Mnpaul
(3,655 posts)8. Has anyone heard any updates on the stimulus program
to build a train line from Disneyland to the Bunny Ranch? Maybe we should contact Meagan Kelly for an update.
http://thinkprogress.org/media/2009/03/02/36512/franks-lie-red-light-express/