Gas-turbine powered, four-car (PC1, TC1, TC2 and PC2) articulated Advanced Passenger Train Experimental (APT-E) made its first run on 25 July 1972.
Incorporating hydrokinetic brakes, articulated bogies, hydraulic tilt equipment and aluminium alloy vehicle shells, it completed test runs between Swindon and Reading achieving a speed record of 152.3mph and from London St. Pancras to Leicester covering the distinctly curved route of 99 miles in just 58½ minutes.
Never intended for passenger service, the APT-E was more of a mobile laboratory where engineers could register every parameter of suspension, traction, aerodynamics, braking, vehicle structure and ride characteristics for measurement and analysis.
On 11 June 1976 the APT-E was delivered to the National Railway Museum, York having completed 23559 miles during its testing. The APT-E is part of the National Railway Collection and is displayed at Locomotion the NRM at Shildon.
'The Aerospace Train' reproduced from Flight International 19 October 1972 © IPC
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