Funky Track Vehicle - Any Ideas

[SAH]

One of the unexpected joys of modeling Spencer, OH has turned out to be getting to know the folks at the local historical society.  I inquired regarding info they might have related to the local industry and of course the railroads through town.   They think my historical interest is rather odd but they've gone out of their way to help.   They came up with about 15 snapshots taken in the early 50's.  Stuffed in an old envelope.  They had no idea what to do with them.  I was thrilled by this little "find" naturally.

Here is one of the most interesting of the lot.  Can anyone identify the contraption in the photo below?  It looks to be articulated between the 2nd and 3rd axles.  Taken in the early 50's near as we can tell.



Steve

[Ian MacMillan]

Looks like one of the Fairmont "Jeeps". I'll see if I can find some other photos. I know there was one for sale in AZ this past summer.

[John]

B&O

[SAH]

After reading your post Ian I did a search on Fairmont Motor Company or something like that, based on a lead I found. Lots of track speeders but nothing like this monster.  Looks kind of like a rail bus.  If you come up with something let me know.  One of the AC&Y guys is trying his sources too. 

Sorry for not expaining my quest fully John.  We know where the photo was taken:  Spencer, OH on the AC&Y.  It's the vehicle I'm trying to identify.

Steve

[The Donkey]

Steve, been looking at this bad boy the past day or so-that grille has a familiar look to
it-I'm wanting to say I've seen it in an "old truck" book at work, but not sure. Forgot to
check today, "hopefully" will remember tomorrow. If nobody comes up with a definitive
answer in the next day or so, I can send this pic to a fella on my weathering forum who
seems to know his old trucks-maybe he can figure it out.

(PS-ever hit the Farmer Boy restaurant in Spencer? great food for a good price (we've
been to the other 1 in Wooster many times)   ;D

[The Donkey]

Hey Steve-

I did some checking in one of our "old truck" books at work, & my best guess would
be it's a mid 30's White product of some sort. I threw the question to our "old truck"
modeler on my weathering forum, & this was his reply:

Hi Mitch,
Thanks for that pic, it's a real interesting vehicle. Wish the photo was a little better
but I think your guess of a White might be a pretty good one. If I could see the grille
better I might be able to say for sure. I have seen some old Macks with that front twin
steer axle before in that vintage and the truck itself might possibly be an old L or LJ Mack
but it's so hard to say. It would be a great truck to model and I'll bet a lot of different makes
would work.

So we have a little more of an idea at least-hopefully your AC&Y source can find something
a little more definitive.

[SAH]

Thanks Mitch.  That's the second vote for a White.  One of the NKP guys thought it might be a one off model but I'll have to do some research.  I believe White was a Cleveland company.

Steve