THE LITTLE TRAIN that did

I don't know where he's going, but I'd be happy to take a ride.

I love this little self-contained internal combustion-engined train car. There were only 152 of these built between 1905 and 1917 by the McKeen Motor Car Company in Omaha, Nebraska. This postcard was sent on January 4, 1914. Lucky lady got to ride on one.

It's just, dare I say it...cute. All those portholes down the sides make me think of being aboard ship.

I'd love to have one of these little cars fixed up, placed on the rails, and enough time and money to wander all over the continent. What a dream. Just putter along in your own little car with enough windows to see everything.

Click on either image to see it larger.

There are several sites with information about the McKeen company and the history of the little cars.

History of the McKeen Motor Car - includes a photo of the interior seats)

The McKeen Motor Car - includes an old photo of one that was used as a diner in Carson City, NV

Wikipedia

Nevada Appeal - an article about the restoration of car No. 22 for the Nevada State Railroad Museum

And if you're going to be near Carson City, Nevada on May 9, 2010...

V&T McKeen Motor Car Celebration – Sunday, May 9, 2010

The Nevada State Railroad Museum, Carson City, NV, announces that it will celebrate both the 100th birthday (to the day) of the delivery of McKeen Motor Car, V&T No. 22 to the railroad in Carson City and the completion of the decade-long restoration of the car at the museum on Sunday, May 9, 2010. The celebration will get underway at Noon on Mother’s Day, May 9th on the platform of the historic Wabuska Depot. Numerous Local, State and Federal officials and noted railroad historians have been invited to attend and participate. The Bernhard family, donors of the car will be honored guests. During the ceremony a representative of Preserve Nevada will announce the 2010 list of the “Eleven Most Endangered Historic Places” in Nevada.

To read more about this celebration click here. I'm thinking I need to make a trip over the mountain this spring to Reno and Carson City.

All aboard!