Passenger Service returns to Globe

steve torrico · **Posted:** Sat Jan 14, 2006 10:27 am

The last passenger train to operate in Globe, Arizona was in 1953. Southern Pacific had a long history of operating doodlebugs on this branch from Bowie to Miami Arizona. Today begins operation of doodlebug service on the Arizona Eastern operating from Globe, 7 miles, to Casino. Service will be Thursday through Sunday. Arizona Eastern has leased the 1930 Brill Model-55 gas mechanical from the Black River & Western for trail operations this winter. AZER is working with City of Globe, Mainstreet Development and local politicos to start this service.

Photos to be posted soon.

Steve Torrico,
Edwards Rail CarCo.

scrmcurator · **Posted:** Mon Jan 16, 2006 2:59 pm

steve torrico wrote:

The last passenger train to operate in Globe, Arizona was in 1953. Southern Pacific had a long history of operating doodlebugs on this branch from Bowie to Miami Arizona. Today begins operation of doodlebug service on the Arizona Eastern operating from Globe, 7 miles, to Casino. Service will be Thursday through Sunday. Arizona Eastern has leased the 1930 Brill Model-55 gas mechanical from the Black River & Western for trail operations this winter. AZER is working with City of Globe, Mainstreet Development and local politicos to start this service.

Is this the ex-PRR doodlebug? I rode on it back in the '80s. When I was up to the BR&W this past summer, it looked like it hadn't turned a wheel in quite a while.

wilkinsd · **Posted:** Mon Jan 16, 2006 3:26 pm

I think you are thinking of the ex-PRR gas electric doodlebug. The one that is in Arizona is a Model 55, which is a small gas mechanical, (probably a diesel mechanical) car. I believe this car was originally built for Sperry Rail Service, and the Valley Railroad originally did the cosmetic work on it to mimic one of the passenger-hauling Model 55s.

scrmcurator · **Posted:** Mon Jan 16, 2006 4:54 pm

wilkinsd wrote:

I think you are thinking of the ex-PRR gas electric doodlebug. The one that is in Arizona is a Model 55, which is a small gas mechanical, (probably a diesel mechanical) car. I believe this car was originally built for Sperry Rail Service, and the Valley Railroad originally did the cosmetic work on it to mimic one of the passenger-hauling Model 55s.

The gas-electric *is* what I was thinking of. Is there a picture of a Brill Model 55 somewhere (better yet this one)? I don't think I've ever seen one -- or if I have, I didn't know I was seeing one.

Andy Nold · **Joined:** Tue Dec 14, 2004 5:45 pm **Posts:** 297

From the Edwards website:

http://www.edwardsrailcar.com/accomp_M55.html

scrmcurator · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 9:59 am

That looks just like an Edwards!

Jim Robinson · **Posted:** Tue Jan 17, 2006 10:29 am

The Brill model 55 railcar on lease in AZ from the BR&W / B&DR in NJ is a gas-mechanical. The present prime mover is a Chevy big block V-8.

The ex-PRR railcar (4666) that operated on the BR&W at Ringoes, NJ was originally a gas-electric. The PRR replaced the gas engine with the present 300HP Hamilton diesel engine. The PRR 4666 is still at Ringoes, but is now under private ownership.

Regards,
Jim Robinson