I am new here and looked for a reference to the McKeen Motor Car and didn't really find anything. I have a passion for several different types of engines and the McKeen is high on my list. I have a nice collection of McKeen things in several different scales. I will add more pictures of my McKeen Fleet and be happy to answer questions about the McKeen Motor Car if I can. The latest addition to my fleet of McKeen Motor Cars, Passenger Cars and Baggage Cars in HO scale is this 70 foot version of the Virginia & Truckee Railway, McKeen Motor Car number 22. It is a painted Brass model that was sold by Precision Scale Co. about 12 years ago.
McKeen Motor and other McKeen Cars How about a few more? Picture #1: From Top to Bottom, all Brass Models: 1. 70 foot version of the Gas / Electric Powered McKeen Motor Car and the McKeen Passenger Car. 2. 70 foot version of the Gas Powered McKeen Motor Car and the McKeen Baggage Car. 3. Next three are the 55 foot version of the McKeen Motor Car. Picture #2: Both "different versions" of the 70 foot McKeen with Passenger car or Baggage Car. Picture #3: Detail of 70 foot Gas Powered McKeen and Baggage Car. Picture #4: 55 foot version of the McKeen with Passenger Car.
I have always liked those round windows. Along with the sharp pointed nose, it gives the impression of a boat on rails. Boxcab E50
The original motors were one of several different designs but all were 6 cylinder gas engines. It powered only the front axel of the front truck with 42" wheels. All other wheels on the McKeen were 33". The last McKeens built used a gas / electric power truck and ran much better. 1. 2. When this McKeen was restored no original power truck or engine had survived and it now uses a diesel engine. A new power truck was built from scratch using photos and old drawings so from the outside it looks like the prototype.
Interesting models and the Prototype as well. Didn't know anything beside the Doodlebug existed like these.