Quick Facts
| Name | Inspection Car |
|---|---|
| Manufacture Date | 1937 |
| Railroad Of Record | Maryland & Pennsylvania Railroad |
| Manufacturer | Buick |
| Rolling Stock Type | Inspection Car; 4-door Sedan |
Description
Shortly after their debut in the early 20th century, automobiles were adapted for railroads use. Built in 1937, the MA&PA No. 101 started life as a typical four-door Buick sedan. It was used as a Funeral Car for the Harkins Funeral Home in Delta, Pennsylvania, until 1941, when it was purchased by the MA&PA Railroad and equipped with railroad wheels, air brakes, and a sander for icy tracks. With the push of a button, sand would spill from the fenders. In 1944, the car received a two-way radio – the newest technology of the time.
For three decades, the modified “Roadmaster” was used to test radio communications between locomotives and railroad offices along the Baltimore-York line. The No. 101 was also used as a private means of transportation for the President and General Manager of the MA&PA. In 1972, the No. 101 was traded in for a new Roadmaster and donated to the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation. The inspection car was still in operating condition when it retired.
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Did you know?
Andrew Jackson, in 1833, rode on the B&O Railroad, becoming the first US president to ride a train.
“This was such an awesome experience! The trains inside were phenomenal and all very well kept. But we went ahead and did the train ride also and that was just icing on the cake! This is a great experience for kids, teens, and adults like myself.”
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