The 1950-1951 GE More Power to America Special began as a vehicle for showcasing GE innovations and knowhow to industrial designers across the land, in line with GE's existing More Power to America campaign - dating back to 1945. The ten-car exhibit train was filled with 11 sections of imaginative displays to generate enthusiasm for GE products. The train was pulled by a pair of sleek, modern GE locomotives - which were also part of the exhibit. The locomotives were followed by ten stainless steel cars, newly built as shells (no finished interiors) to Rock Island specifications (since the Rock Island Railroad planned to purchase the cars after the tour).
As often as possible, the train cars displayed on two adjacent tracks with 5 exhibit cars on each track - and bridges between them creating a walking circuit for invitees. Inside, the exhibits traced the use of electricity from production to transmission to a multitude of end uses.
Over 2000 GE innovations were showcased. The cars themselves showcased the relatively new use of electrical generators slung under each car for power, rather then relying solely on head-end power from the locomotives or a dedicated power car. Bringing up the rear of the train were up to five utility cars - power car, diners, and sleepers - for the 20 exhibit engineers and other staff who kept the exhibits running and the guests informed.
The MPA Special's striking red and stainless color scheme was designed by Chester J. Mack, who also designed the paint on the 1947 Freedom Train and, decades later, the Alaska Railroad 1976 Bicentennial F-Units. General Electric viewed the train as the "Brother of the Freedom Train", but it may also have served as GE's answer to GM's 1947 Train of Tomorrow.
Image: New York State Heritage Digital Collection, via George Lane
At some 160 display sites in 46 states, the train was open to industry professionals who wanted to get a close look at GE's latest offerings. From April 1950 to July 1951, the train criss-crossed America, piling up 28,411 miles while playing host to over 250,000 visitors. It was an impressive feat by GE's advertising arm. |
