The original Roger Williams RDC trainset debuted in 1957 as a six-car "hot rod" running for the New Haven between Boston and New York City. It was designed to make the trip in just 2 1/2 hours! And unlike other RDC's, it had a locomotive-style cab control car.
But it did not match in luxury other name trains like The Merchants Limited. The New Haven's well-heeled clientele shunned the spartan RDC's.
Eventually the Roger Williams was relelgated to New Haven-Springfield service. Amtrak inherited three cars when it started up in 1971.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
They actually would work on short corridor runs, like on commuter trains that branch off to different places, they would work super well. Do any still exist