Question???

[crsay]

I am interested in obtaining information on the small truck like self propelled units featured in Trains magazine some time ago. These little trucks/cars run on their own power and are used on track no longer in use. Does anyone have additional information for me, like what are they called and how can one be obtained?

[Anonymous]

AFAIK They are called Fairmont Speeders. However, that might just be one type of them. As for pruchasing one, I'm not sure. Have you tried a RR equipment supplier yet? There are a few online. A Google serach for "Fairmont Speeder" might help you too.

There are also some clubs that run them, they might be able to hook you up. Good luck!

Alexander C.
Portland, Oregon, USA

[Modelcar]

...Go to Google.com and type in "Railroad speeders"....and start clicking on the info you will find on the page that will bring up.

QM

[Anonymous]

Try finding "MCCA" that stands for motor car collectors association. This is a group that is centered around restoring and operating "speeders".
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

I am assuming that you know the basic infomation on speeders/motorcars in that they were used by some railroads up to even the 1980's. The logical first step in your case is to find out information about motorcar/speeder groups in your area. The foremost group is NARCOA, the North American Railcar Operators association. Depending on where you are, however there may be more localized groups nearby. Their site, www.narcoa.org will provide you with valuable information on the make of cars, available, such as Fairmont, Woodings, Fairbanks-Morse, Kalamazoo, etc.; as well as the type of cars each manufacturer produced whether it be a small Fairmont M-9 inspection car or a large A class gang car. Being a national group their classified ad section will give you some idea of what these cars go for on the open market and an idea of where to find them. There is everything from complete basketcases that need complete rebuilds to the completely rebuilt and remanufactured cars of Les King @Les King Motorcar in Ohio. Knowing the different car types will be important in your choice in how hard it is to learn to run these cars. They range from small generator type engines with snowmobile type transmissions(no gears) to cars with manual clutch-type transmissions to belt driven hand-crank starting cars. If you have any further question post a response and I can give you further information on what sources of speeders are near you and give you an idea of what motorcar runs are like.