Trains.com

Self propelled Steam Cars

13178 views
35 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Sunday, September 2, 2018 8:05 PM

Newfoundland?  Holy jeez, I've got six books on the Newfoundland Railway courtesy of my brother-in-law "Big B" and don't remember seeing anything like that in them.

Oh well, time to hit the books again.

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, September 2, 2018 7:50 PM

Miningman

They had 5 of them in Newfoundland

Newfoundland Railway

Government of Newfoundland took over Reid Newfoundland Company's railway July 1, 1923. 

Many of these cars were built in England where they were successful for years.
However, they proved unsuitable for the rugged winters of Newfoundland. 
In addition they required a three man crew of engineer, fireman and conductor 
which did not result in the anticipated operational savings. 

Rail Coach E the last of five. Built by Sentinel-Cammell 1925. 
Therefore it is likely they were designated A, B, C, D and E. 

Deggesty--- Louisville and Nashville had at least one of them because CN bought it and converted it.

 

CN 15006 Air Brake Instruction Car. Cochrane, ON 7/12/1954 Julian Bernard

Built 1907 by Louisville and Nashville as a self-propelled steam car (combine) seating 54 passengers. 
Acquired 1912 GTR 3. Became CNR 15902. April 1926 became Instruction Car 15006.

 

 

Perhaps the L&N was ashamed of ever having anything to do with it, so kept it a secret from the American railfan public?

As to that streamlined bus, I did not see much room for checked baggage and parcels, what with the two levels of seats. The picture reminded me of an overnight trip I took by Trailways from Reform, Ala., to Atlanta in February of 1971--most of the upper body of the bus was devoted to packages, and there were a few seats available for passengers.

Johnny

  • Member since
    September 2010
  • From: Parma Heights Ohio
  • 3,442 posts
Posted by Penny Trains on Sunday, September 2, 2018 7:27 PM

When you said "steam cars", I thought Stanley or maybe something that looks like this Tongue Tiedhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOjnujDhea8 Smile, Wink & Grin

Trains, trains, wonderful trains.  The more you get, the more you toot!  Big Smile

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Posted by Miningman on Sunday, September 2, 2018 5:44 PM

They had 5 of them in Newfoundland

Newfoundland Railway

Government of Newfoundland took over Reid Newfoundland Company's railway July 1, 1923. 

Many of these cars were built in England where they were successful for years.
However, they proved unsuitable for the rugged winters of Newfoundland. 
In addition they required a three man crew of engineer, fireman and conductor 
which did not result in the anticipated operational savings. 

Rail Coach E the last of five. Built by Sentinel-Cammell 1925. 
Therefore it is likely they were designated A, B, C, D and E. 

Deggesty--- Louisville and Nashville had at least one of them because CN bought it and converted it.

 

CN 15006 Air Brake Instruction Car. Cochrane, ON 7/12/1954 Julian Bernard

Built 1907 by Louisville and Nashville as a self-propelled steam car (combine) seating 54 passengers. 
Acquired 1912 GTR 3. Became CNR 15902. April 1926 became Instruction Car 15006.

 

  • Member since
    August 2010
  • From: Henrico, VA
  • 8,955 posts
Posted by Firelock76 on Sunday, September 2, 2018 3:58 PM

Not the only type of steam car, the British built a number of them.

British rail historian and photographer Colin Garrett back in the '80s of one lying derelict in (I believe) the Sudan.  It didn't look like the one in the picture Miningman posted, it looked more like a bus on steroids.

Kind of like this...

https://www.lner.info/locos/Railcar/clayton.php

OK, got the link fixed.  Anyone who tried it before without success go ahead and try it again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Sunday, September 2, 2018 2:45 PM

You Canadians are certainly secretive; I had never heard of these before.Smile

Johnny

  • Member since
    September 2013
  • 6,199 posts
Self propelled Steam Cars
Posted by Miningman on Sunday, September 2, 2018 12:32 PM

Had no idea this service existed.

GTR 1 International Bridge steam car operated between Fort Erie, Ontario and Black Rock, New York 
over the International Bridge. Built GTR 1911. Became CNR 15901, later 15704 Rule Instruction car.

NOTE: The steam engine is difficult to see (right truck). A better photo of similar car CPR 88 is here

SUBSCRIBER & MEMBER LOGIN

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

FREE NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

Get the Classic Trains twice-monthly newsletter