George Bennie envisioned and designed the Flying Railplane system, hoping to provide a fast transit option for people traveling between the two major cities.
In 1930, a prototype of the amazing railplane was constructed in Glasgow, Scotland. The track was nearly 400 feet long and hung 12 feet off the ground thanks to support rails.
Electric-powered propellers were put on either end of the flying train.
The media, invited to take a ride in July 1930, were enthusiastic about the train. They found it to be a smoother ride, and a quieter one, than conventional trains of the time.
George Bennie was a great designer. He wasn't, apparently, a great businessman. Bennie funded the project himself because he could get no backers, and went bankrupt in 1937. That put an end to the Flying Railplane.
The prototype track hung over Glasgow until 1956, when it was torn down and used as scrap metal. All that remains today is a small blue plaque that pays homage to the Railplane.
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