This might be more feasible now. Funaro & Camerlengo made an HO McKean body kit as of a few years ago. I can imagine putting a lengthened diesel switcher mechanism under one of these bodies. McKeans were developed by U.P. people but were used on many other lines, especially shortlines, and could be found operating far from U.P. territory. In Ohio, the Lakeside & Marblehead used one, as mentioned, and the AC&Y also had one in the 1920's.
On Saturday I went to thje train show at Timonium & talked with Sharon of Funaro & Camerlengo. She said the McKean is not currently a stock model, but they would collect orders as they come in, and they would do a run of kits once they have enough orders to justify it. They have patterns for the basic car, and for a trailer. Best to contact them for details.
It's been a long time since this post. Did you ever build one? I'm thinking of converting a diesel loco.
Thinking now more about scratch building. Got these drawings from the Shiawassee site.
The 55 foot version
The 70 foot version
Who knows....if I have good luck building it maybe I'll manufacture them!
underworld
unfortunately these are very difficult to find. My dad found one that had been dropped and badly broken. He fixed it up and repainted it. it was a brass model. thats the only reason I have one now. if you can find one get it. they are rare. Sorry that i'm not more help. I believe it is LMB models that makes it. Overland Models made one too I believe but I believe it was a limited run.
Colorado Front Range Railroad: http://www.coloradofrontrangerr.com/
Thanks guys for the info! I've had an interest in these ever since I saw the one used on the Lakeside & Marblehead in Ohio.
Several have been done in brass. Not sure about kits, but maybe long ago Sydam had a kit or brass model of a McKeen Motor Car. I think Ebay may be your friend in finding one of these. Here is a site that has some history and pictures of McKeen Motor Cars if you don't have it already. http://www.shiawasseehistory.com/mckeen.html
Hope you can locate a model. They are very cool looking H.G. Wells / Victorian looking kind of things.
Bruce
Does anyone make one of these?
Ready to run or kit....or have any of you ever scratch built one?