A 2-foot Model T Railcar....with a twist!

KevinM · **Posted:** Wed Aug 18, 2010 10:30 am

This past weekend, the Wiscasset, Waterville & Farmington Railway Museum debuted their new 2-foot, Model T Track Inspection Car at the facility's Annual Picnic. One of the museum's very talented members spent the last two years building this replica, which will be used for MOW duties and transporting museum patrons. Actually, replica isn't the best way to describe this car. From the firewall forward, it's an original Ford Model T, with a rebuilt engine. Aft of the firewall, its a custom-built, 3500 lb railbus of sorts, with seating for 6 adults, including the operator. Although most of Maine's 2-foot railroads had similar cars, apparently, the WW&F's car had a built-in turntable feature that enabled crews to jack it and spin it as needed so they were always running forward. The original car does not survive, but the museum's new car recreates that unique feature.

Here's a shot of the museum crew "going for a spin" late last Sunday afternoon:

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=335042&nseq=0

Anyone who hasn't been to Alna should seriously consider visiting. One warning though....the show up there can be addictive!

/Kevin

Ted Miles · **Posted:** Wed Aug 18, 2010 12:55 pm

Kevin,
I have been for rides in the two visiting Edaville cars that are are ex Sandy River Railroad.

I can't wait to ride this new edition to the WW&F family!

Ted Miles
WW& F Member

Bob Davis · **Joined:** Sat Aug 28, 2004 3:25 am **Posts:** 1025

Ford Motor Co. referred to their 1909 to 1927 product as "The Universal Car", and this rig just points up that appelation. It's probably not the only "kitbashed" Flivver that's still around. If anyone objects to this contraption, you can tell them that, "It's in the true spirit of Henry Ford tinkering. Hop on and enjoy the ride." At least it's not likely to be squeezed into an "A-frame" like the T-bone in Laurel and Hardy's Hog Wild.

Stephen Hussar · **Posted:** Thu Aug 19, 2010 7:54 am

Great shot, Kevin -glad you caught the turning!

Here's a shot taken Saturday morning of Leon Weeks' repro WW&F railcar -below, an original Sandy River railcar on display in the museum at Owl's Head. Being in such close proximity, Leon was able to use the Sandy River car for inspiration, and to 'fill in the blanks' on many details.

The new railcar is also a somewhat "green" solution to a basic need at the museum. Rather than firing up the 12 ton Plymouth diesel, occasional weekday visitors can now ride the line aboard this new addition to the museum's roster.