Paul Schneble recently pointed me to a couple of interesting inspection cars not unlike our own. The first is a Rock Island unit, #564. I'll leave it to you to tell me what type of automobile this is. It appears to have the same general sort of narrow treads and steel flanges as ours.
(Otto C. Perry photograph, courtesy Denver Public Library, Western History Collection)
The best part about this one are the brooms mounted to the front bumper to sweep the rails. What sort of railroad has that much loose debris on the railheads?
And the next one is a 1940 Buick used by the Missouri and Arkansas, an Arkansas short line.
( Courtesy Witbeck Studio, Hammond, Louisiana, from
Clifton Hall, Shortline Railroads of Arkansas, c. 1969)
The interesting thing here, I think, is that it appears to have ordinary tires and no flanges. Perhaps it's just an unmodified auto, and if you steer carefully enough you can keep it on the track?!?
Update: And Bill Buhrmaster pointed out that on Ebay there is a photo of Milwaukee Road #23, which appears to be identical to our #30, except that it has a small spotlight on the front of the roof.
Update: And Bill Buhrmaster pointed out that on Ebay there is a photo of Milwaukee Road #23, which appears to be identical to our #30, except that it has a small spotlight on the front of the roof.
Meanwhile, our inspection car still needs money to pay for track space, as well as cosmetic restoration, at least to begin with. Please donate to the Milwaukee Rd. #30 restricted fund. Thanks!