Actually the ex P&W Cars did indeed have trolley poles, steps, and vesitbule traps in their early days. Before the Norristown terminal was built, the cars ran the last bit in the street and unloaded near courthouse square.

Ah, the Wogglebug Line, as it was known to the locals. Probably it was named after a character in some of L. Frank Baum's Oz books, which would have been popular about the time the line ran.

David Noyes

Thanks for the correction on the Strafford cars--I should have checked my Red Arrow book first.
As far as "doodlebug" sounds are concerned, I wonder if there's anyone still alive who heard an original McKeen car in action. The Nevada State museum is close to finished with theirs, but I've been told it will have a Caterpillar (hmm, another entomological reference) diesel engine for power and probably use a hydraulic drive system--a sensible tradeoff between authenticity and reliability; most historical comments on McKeen cars use the word "troublesome". Does anyone have a list of preserved "doodlebugs"? (like the one for real trolley cars) It would be interesting to see how many still have the original "mill" and how many have Cummins, Cat or EMD replacements.

My quick count from memory comes up with 13 preserved gas-electric cars, plus one additional possibility. My recollection is that 7 of the 13 have their original engines, 2 have EMD 567's, 3 have Hamilton diesels, and one a pair of Cummins diesels.

Also, the picture of the converted Birney car is in Keilty's book; "The Short Line Doodlebug".

Jeff:

I had M-35 listed as having its original engine as the UP never reengined it. The IRM engine change is a surprise. Thanks for the update.

BTW, if anyone wants the list of preserved gas-electric cars, just PM me with an e-mail address.