This Day in History: 1947-08-04
The first of seven powerful diesel engines went into service on the Erie railroad. The remaining six engines were to be delivered within ten days, at which time all through passenger trains from Jersey City to Chicago would be diesel powered. Each of the engines was 151 feet long, divided into three sections. The engineer was situated at the very front of the train in air-conditioned comfort. Sound proofing was said to be so good that he could communicate with the other members of the crew in normal tones clearly. When the new timetables went into effect in September it would be possible to reduce the travel time to Chicago by two hours, R. E. Woodward, Erie President, announced. (Bristow)