With this week’s new speed record for traditional (a.k.a. non-maglev) railroad trains at 574.8 kph, or 357.2 mph being set by the French TGV or V150 to be precise, it seems to have escaped most newsies here in the US that once upon a time, speeds approaching 95 mph or better were very much the norm for passenger trains operated by a number of railroads -- in that golden era of rail travel.

While some Amtrak trains between New York and Washington may daily reach 125 mph, most passenger trains around the country operate at 79 mph maximum. But having enjoyed a smooth ride at 90 mph on several occasions, I can say that well maintained track and proper safety devices make a world of a difference.

Now if we can only do something about all of those VCR’s and microwave ovens with the clocks still flashing 12:00...