The gears turn the train's wheels. The gas turbine, the ST6, is produced by United Aircraft of Canada Limited. It is operated at 400 horsepower, yet weighs only 300 pounds with accessories. The number of engines used in each train varies according to perfor mance desired. Each train has bays for up to seven engines but fewer can be used.
More engines give faster acceleration and a higher top speed.
In each train, one gas turbine is always used to drive an alternator to produce electricity for the train's needs. Since the gas turbines are so small and compact, they are located under passenger-carrying domes, thus permitting complete utilization of the train's interior. Dome cars are located at each end of the TurboTrain to give it bi-directional capability. A major technological advance in the TurboTrain is its pendulous banking suspension system. The trains are suspended from near the top of the cars, above the center of gravity, on an A-frame type of assembly.