Comet (train)

The Comet was a diesel-electric streamliner built in 1935 for the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad by the Goodyear-Zeppelin Company.[1] Smaller than the other streamliners, it was a three-car, double-ended train that could operate in both directions and thus did not need to be turned at destinations—ideal for the New Haven's cramped terminus at South Station in Boston.

This article is about the New Haven's Comet. For the Comet-series commuter railcars, see Comet (railcar).
New Haven Comet
The Comet in 1935.
ManufacturerGoodyear Zeppelin Corporation
Constructed1935
Scrapped1951
Number builtOne 3-car set
Number preservedNone
Capacity160 passengers
Operator(s)New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminum alloy
Train length207 ft 0 in (63.094 m)
Car lengthPower cars: 74 ft 2 in (22.606 m)
Trailer car: 58 ft 8 in (17.882 m)
Width9 ft 10 in (3.00 m)
Height11 ft 3 in (3.43 m)
Floor height2 ft 8 1⁄4 in (0.819 m) above railhead
Doors'Plug' type, three each side
Articulated sectionsThree
Wheel diameterPowered: 36 in (914 mm)
Unpowered: 30 in (762 mm)
Weight126 short tons (114 tonnes)
Traction systemDiesel-electric
Prime mover(s)Two 400 hp (298 kW) 6-cylinder Westinghouse diesel engines (one each end)
Power output800 hp (597 kW)
UIC classificationB′2′2′B′
Track gauge4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)

It was initially placed into service between Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island on a 44-minute schedule; later, intermediate stops were added at Back Bay, Boston and Pawtucket/Central Falls, RI on an advertised "44 miles in 44 minutes" schedule. It ran 5 daily round trips on weekdays, and was often used for weekend excursion trips. This service lasted until the beginning of World War II, when increased traffic volume overwhelmed the capacity of the Comet, after which it was placed on local commuter services around the Boston area. The trainset was withdrawn from service in 1951 and scrapped.

The interior was furnished with 48 seat in each power car, and 64 in the center car divided into two sections: a smoking section seating 28 and a non-smoking seating 36. Seating was of the 'walk-over' type, and all seats were coach-class; there being no provision for first- or parlor-class seating.[2]

The exterior was machined aluminum in a whorled pattern with color bands of bright blue enamel at window height, dark blue enamel at wheel level, and a gray enamel roof. The whole exterior was covered with a coat of clear varnish to prevent tarnishing. The front ends were sharply raked, with a pointed "chin" pilot.

References
  1. Mann, Charles F.A. (17 September 1935). "Most Powerful Diesel Ready for Rail Service". The Meriden Daily Journal. Retrieved 28 March 2012.
  2. Railway Age. April 27, 1935. p. 634
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