You've seen or read science fiction about flying cars and trains and other seemingly impossible things, but what if we told you that such inventions are real and closer to home than you may think? Take, for example, this unique and fascinating hovertrain in Colorado:
Meet the one-of-a-kind Grumman and Rohr Tracked Levitated Research Vehicle (TLRV).
Located in Pueblo, the Grumman and Rohr look like something you would have seen on "The Jetsons," as these giant train-like machines appear both tireless and futuristic.
Designed in 1970, the Grumman was indeed the first of its kind, as the air-cushioned model - intended to reach speeds of up to 300+ miles per hour - was made to float along the tracks via compressed air (versus running on tires).
As you may have guessed (due to the lack of floating hovercrafts in this day and age), this ambitious project did not pan out thanks to its lackluster design and dwindling budget that left rendered the project useless by 1976.
The French Rohr had a similar design and the same intention as the Grumman, only with better results, as years of design tweaks and tests proved it could be done.
Sadly, a lack of funding put the breaks on this state-of-the-art train, too, with its launch falling through by 1975.
Today, you can see these incredible marvels parked outside the Pueblo Railway Museum, as both were donated as part of a future exhibit still in the works.
In addition to the futuristic hovercrafts, the Pueblo Railway Museum is also home to more old-fashioned trains, plus special events and train rides.
To learn more about the Grumman and Rohr Tracked Levitated Research Vehicles, please visit the Pueblo Railway Museum's website.
For even more to see and do around Pueblo, check out The Secret Tropical Beach In Colorado Where The Water Is A Mesmerizing Blue.
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