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Statistics
- Required a crew of 6
- 4-873Kw gas turbine engines to power 54 electric motors (one per wheel)
- 4500 total horsepower
- 197m long
- 150 tons of cargo weight; total of 450 tons
- top speed 32km/h
- 600km range unless extra fuel cars were added to the train
- Common names: Army Land Train, Overland Train, Overland Mark II Land Train
- Sold for $1.4 million in 1969
- A.K.A. Army Land Train, Overland Land Train, Overland MkII, others
The Overland Mark II Land Train was designed to carry equipment and supplies over both on- and off-road terrains. The train consisted of the control car, ten cargo cars, and two power generating cars. It was 565 feet long and could haul 150 tons of cargo. The control car also contained living quarters for a crew of six, complete with sleeping, eating and sanitation facilities.
Model TC-497 Overland Train MkII is the largest of all the land trains, and arguably most famous. Aside from locomotives, it is the longest vehicle ever built, spanning 197 m long with turbines producing over 4500 horsepower. It had 54 electric powered wheels of 3.5 m, 10 trailers, 150 tons of cargo for 450 tons of total weight.
The total cost of LeTourneau's land train was $3.7 million. It had a total capable distance of 600km at a speed of 32 km/h. Posted at Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma, Arizona for testing, it became outdated even before its commissioning. The aviation industry went into service in 1962 giant lifting helicopters that needed no roads, but much faster.
Overland Mk II at the Yuma Proving Grounds
Where are they now?
The Overland Train Mk II remains at Yuma Proving Ground Heritage Center, Yuma, Arizona where the lead car was restored some years ago and described as shown in the picture. Unfortunately, the trailers were scrapped in 1971 (source). Additionally, one unit shown below, was located in a scrapyard in Alaska.
