Back in the 1950s, the Great Western Railway in England used to run their 0-4-4T (14XX-class) engines with an "autotrailer" on many branchlines. Similar to modern commuter trains, the driver used to drive from the engine in one direction and from the coach in the other. While modern trains all use electronics (I guess) for operating the engine from the other end of the train, does anyone know how this was done in the days of steam? Are there any examples of similar-type operating here in North America?

Thanks.