The Swing Shift Shuffle is a radio program of swing, big band, jazz, boogie woogie and other popular music from the 1930's and 40's that airs every Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (US Central Time) on WEVL 89.9 FM in Memphis, Tennessee, with a live webcast at wevl.org. In addition to the radio show, this blog is dedicated to all aspects of the Swing Era, including art, automobiles, cartoons, comics, history, movies, music, news, science, technology, and anything else that happened during that time. It also includes announcements about events in the Memphis/Mid-South area related to the Swing Era, such as classic movies, concerts, dances, lectures, etc. If you see something that fits the description, send it to me at tim@wevl.org. If you would like more information about the radio show, just go to the Radio Show FAQ page.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

German Rail Zeppelin

In the early 1930's, a German rail company decided to try out the Zeppelin concept on a train.  The result was the propeller-driven "Schienenzeppelin," a 20 ton (light by locomotive standards) beast powered by a 46 liter BMW V-12.  In 1931, it reached a top speed of 140 mph, a record that stood for 23 years, and was never surpassed by a gasoline powered locomotive.  Despite this record, the design never went beyond the prototype stage.  Thanks to Boing Boing for pointing out this story.  
Unfortunately, the train never made it into production. Problems with propeller safety (!) and reliability kept it from attaining mass production. The prototype that set the speed record was dismantled in 1939 on the eve of World War II.
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