The Rise and Fall of the Railplane: A Forgotten Transportation Innovation

⚙️Railplane was a high-speed vehicle powered by airplane propellers, intended to double modern train speeds.

🚄Inventors sought to optimize transportation further, leading to the development of the railplane to rival planes and trucks.

🏴George Benny was born in 1892 in Scotland to a wealthy family involved in engineering.

✈️Benny served in the Army Service Corp during World War I and later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps.

🐎During his service, Benny was involved in handling horses and mules and eventually became an air mechanic.

🔌Railane utilized lightweight materials and electric motors for propulsion.

🚀Electric motors provided continuous 60 horsepower with capability for short bursts of 240 horsepower.

🛑Braking was achieved by reversing propeller rotation and gripping rails with Bogies.

💰George Benny sold his interest in the development company in 1937 and faced financial difficulties.

❌The railplane project faced multiple setbacks and ultimately failed to be introduced into passenger transportation.

💔Despite founding new companies and ventures, George Benny's obsession with the rail plane led to financial ruin and obscurity.