Large Scale Central

Rail Bus Info

Prototypes
#1

I’m looking for a data base of the Rail Buses that were used to protect mail contracts and passenger schedules. Can’t seem to come up with a source. All help is appreciated.

A search on “Dinky” gives a little information and pictures.

A search on “Galloping Goose” gets to specific to Colorado heritage.

A search for “Motorized Rail Car” seems to do the best. I expect the M-1 from the EBT to always be included in the list, but also want to see the Illinois Terminal Rail Bus “Dinky” in the same list, plus all the other great single unit motorized rail cars.

Ideas?

Check this -

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/self_prop3.html

#2

I guess I’m wanting examples of rail cars made off of White or Mack truck frames more than the “Doodlebug” styles.

#3

Some good stuff there Ric. For some reason it is hard finding prototype pics like you are looking for, would like to find a database of rail buses like that. Will keep my eyes open

#4

Ric,

Here is some info one one near and dear to my heart. Built by White. This was done by Aristo in Brass.

http://www.whippanyrailwaymuseum.net/exhibits/equipment/engines-a-powered-rail-equipment/rail-bus-no-10

George

#5

Ric,

Here’s some info on Postal Railway Mail Service, may lead to more.

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmailus2c.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railway_post_office

#6

Though not a database, I found this page has some good detail shots of the chassis on the mack railtrucks

http://www.wvrailroads.net/index.php/Mack_Railbus_Model_AC

#7

Ric, that Northeast rail fan site is probably one of the more extensive sites.

Look under Motorcars…there’s a whole other list of manufacturers:

#8

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#9

The Washington, Idaho & Montana Railway Company #11 is offloaded at the Potlatch depot in this pre-1948 photo of unknown origin. The Potlatcher, or The Bug as it was known locally, was a Fairmont Railway Motors 5100 series coach, built in Fairmont, Minnesota in December, 1937 Equipped with a Waukesha 110 H.P. 6-cylinder gas engine, Spicer 4-speed transmission, four wheel front truck, separate 14’8" long by 8’ wide baggage compartment, and seating for twelve, The Potlatcher delivered mail, express and passengers over the 47-mile WI&M mainline. After 17 years of service, #11 was retired in 1955 and used as a concession stand at the Potlatch ballfield. It later burned and was scrapped.

Potlacher on the “Stateline Curve,” Washington-Idaho border.

(http://wimryhpg.com/Photos/websize/WI&M_TOM_KREUTZ_025.jpg)

Potlatcher at the Palouse, WA depot.

#10

Loggers ran mail into the woods…

One of my favorites;

Notice she sits on a turntable. above.

What I could afford…

Above; Get out of my way or else!

The Beast;

Did somebody ask for a White creation? Only a tad late…

#11

I know it’s a little old school but the book “The Short Line Doodlebug” by Edmund Keilty, Interurban Press 1988 is a tremendous reference for what your looking for. It lists the cars by railroad/company state by state.

Rick

#12

Now, you can challenge any one. You want information? There is never a greater source than the participants and authorities of information that partake of this site. Thank you, thank you, thank you. This is fantastic!

A BIG THANK YOU TO EACH OF YOU!!!

Isn’t this neat stuff?

#13

This looks like something out of Mad Max.

#14

Some of the vehicles I see here have double flanged wheels. I’ve seen these in the past. Would anyone care to refresh my memory as to how they traversed turnouts, etc. ?

#15

It’s 2’ gauge but perhaps some ideas and the links might lead to something…http://www.railtruck.org/rail_trucks_main.htm

These have a pile of links that might lead you somewhere as well…http://www.narcoa.org/newsite/links.htm

http://www.railspeeders.com/links.asp

https://railtown1897.wordpress.com/2014/12/08/railtowns-motor-car-collection/

Can’t forget about Doc Tom either …http://familygardentrains.com/primer/prototype/little_river/little_river_railcars.htm

Now with all those links we shouldn’t hear from you for a while Ric !

Now get busy !

#16

Rick Marty said:

I know it’s a little old school but the book “The Short Line Doodlebug” by Edmund Keilty, Interurban Press 1988 is a tremendous reference for what your looking for. It lists the cars by railroad/company state by state.

Rick,

Just wanted you to know, I ordered this book. I’m looking for examples for headlights and got a lot of ideas off the other postings, but think I might find additional in this book. Besides a list where all the Doodlebugs and critters ran. Wow! Thanks for sharing this info.

#17

Want

#18

http://www.amazon.com/Welly-Scale-Diecast-Volkswagen-Sliding/dp/B004C8P76I

#19

Oh. I just spent my allowance too. :frowning:

#20

Here you go, DCC-ready: http://brekina.de/de/modellprogramm/schienenfahrzeuge/draisine-klv-20-g-massstab/

In the HO model description it says that to change direction of travel (in the prototype) there is a hand-operated hydraulic lifter for the body, which can then be turned 180 deg.