Re: Another slightly off topic question
Author: George Andrews
Date: 08-31-2008 - 21:53
Most POWERFUL vehicle I've chased trains with, is a 1989 Ford Aeromax single axle tractor; 3406B Cat engine( 285 H.P. ) WITH a set of doubles !!! Chased a Westbound Espee freight up Beaumont Hill early one Saturday morning. Didn't beat him to the top by much. Grab shot picture came out OK.
Most POWERFUL vehicle; 1st runner - up: 1976 Four Star 22' Motorhome with Dodge Van chassis. 440 C.I.D./ 220 H.P. Lotsa low end torque, no top end. Chased a Eastbound Union Pacific up Cima Hill.
FASTEST vehicle I've personally driven while chasing trains ,was my 1983 Monte Carlo SS. Tried to chase a Santa Fe officers special Westbound out of Barstow on old U.S. 66. Had the 85 MPH speedometer pegged & then some,( using tach & rear gear ratio I estimated my top speed @ 105 MPH ), when I blew a heater hose near Helendale.
FASTEST vehicle, special category: 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner SuperBird; 440 C.I.D. with 3 - 2 barrel carbs. While riding shotgun with a neighbor on old Route 66 between Amboy & Essex, CA., had Speedometer pegged @ 140 M.P.H. as we caught & passed Amtrak's Southwest Limited. Racing Tires were used on this special nighttime run with other muscle cars.