McKeen Motor Car Company

Published: February 3, 2025

The dawn of the 20th century marked a period of transformative change across various sectors, and the transportation industry was not left behind.

Among the numerous innovations, one standout was the McKeen Motor Car Company, which emerged as a significant player in the development of self-propelled railcars.

Established by William McKeen, who served as the Superintendent of Motive Power and Machinery for Union Pacific, the company emerged as a UP subsidiary.

Initially, McKeen's early cars were constructed directly by the railroad before he transitioned to leasing workshop space at UP's Omaha Shops in Omaha, Nebraska.

Tasked by the railroad to devise a more cost-effective method for operating passenger service on secondary branch lines and lightly trafficked regions, McKeen developed an innovative design that was advanced for its era.

Unfortunately, the technology surrounding internal combustion engines had not yet matured, resulting in McKeen cars being somewhat unreliable and troubleprone.

The overwhelming majority of the cars were produced for Edward Henry Harriman's extensive network of railroads. Following his death in 1909, interest in the project waned and production was ultimately discontinued. During this time, from 1905 to 1917, the company manufactured a total of 152 railcars.

Inception and Development: The Formation of a Vision

William R. McKeen was the mechanical superintendent of the UP when he conceived the idea of a railcar propelled by an internal combustion engine.

This vision was spurred by the need to address specific challenges faced by railroads - even at that time - with the high operational costs of steam-powered trains on less populated branch lines.

McKeen sought to create a more economical option that would encourage rail travel in these areas, reduce costs, and preserve service.

The McKeen Motor Car Company was established in Omaha, a location that provided a strategic advantage due to its proximity to both manufacturing resources and a vast network of railroad lines. McKeen's vision was clear: develop a railcar that could operate independently, eliminate the need for a locomotive, and provide railroads with a cost-effective solution for service on less profitable routes.

The restored McKeen Motor Car, Virginia & Truckee #22, at the Nevada State Railroad Museum in Carson City on June 26, 2011. Marty Bernard photo.

Innovative Design: Engineering Marvel or Misstep?

The McKeen railcars were distinctive, often recognized by their unique aerodynamic design characterized by a pointed "wind-splitter" front end, reminiscent of a boat's hull. This design was not merely for aesthetic appeal; it was intended to reduce air resistance and improve speed, making these railcars one of the earliest examples of streamlined vehicles.

The cars typically featured a riveted steel frame, setting them apart from the predominantly wooden railcars of the time. Most models were equipped with large porthole windows - a McKeen trademark -further emphasizing their nautical appearance. They varied in length, from 55 to 70 feet, accommodating up to 75 passengers.

Perhaps the most significant innovation was their power source: a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine. This engine, generally a six-cylinder, delivered power to the axles via a drivetrain similar to those used in automobiles.

Initially, McKeen cars were equipped with engines from Standard Motor Works, located in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, from the production of the eighth unit onward - designated 'M8' on UP - McKeen transitioned to utilizing engines of their own design.

These engines maintained a straight-6 configuration, with power outputs ranging from 100 horsepower in the earliest models to a maximum of 300 horsepower in later, more powerful iterations.

The cylinders were oriented vertically, and the engines were installed transversely within the car across all McKeen vehicles and locomotives. Most McKeen engines operated on distillate fuel.

The engines - featuring a compressed air starter - were engineered to operate bi-directionally, similar to marine engine systems, as they were devoid of a conventional reverse gear.

To reverse, the engine required shutdown, whereupon the motorman would adjust the camshaft to engage the reverse cam set before restarting the engine in the opposite direction.

A flywheel, positioned on the left side of the leading truck, rotated in alignment with the engine's operating direction regardless of the car's motion. This flywheel played a critical role in maintaining engine momentum and also powered the electric generator responsible for illumination.

The use of such technology in railcars was revolutionary and served to underscore McKeen's commitment to marrying mechanical innovation with practical rail solutions.

Navigating Operational Challenges: Realities of the Rail Line

While McKeen cars were pioneering, the transition from concept to functional reality was fraught with challenges. Though innovative, the design faced numerous operational issues.

The gasoline engines, while advanced for their time, were unreliable and required significant maintenance. This unreliability often led to service disruptions and increased operating costs, which contradicted the primary goal of cost-efficiency.

Additionally, the lack of reverse gears in early models posed practical challenges. Operators had to use turntables or wyes to change direction, complicating operations and limiting their practical deployment. Furthermore, the railcars struggled on steep grades due to their relatively low power output compared to steam locomotives. Despite these challenges, the McKeen produced 152 railcars over its lifespan.

While initially appealing, the practicality of operating the railcars led to dwindling enthusiasm from rail operators. Ultimately, the inability to sustain reliable service, coupled with advancements in diesel technology, contributed to the company's decline.

Pioneering Modern Rail Travel

Though McKeen's history was brief, its impact on rail travel and transport innovation was significant. The concept of a self-propelled railcar - which was also being tested by General Electric during the same period - set the stage for further developments in the industry and showcased the potential of internal combustion engines in transportation, paving the way for the diesel locomotives that would dominate mid-20th-century railroads.

During the 1920s, Electro-Motive Corporation proved quite successful with its "doodlebugs," producing roughly 500 between 1924-1936.

The streamlined design of McKeen railcars inspired future rolling stock designs - notably the classic streamlined passenger trains of the 1930s -emphasizing the importance of aerodynamics in transportation.

Preservation

A few McKeen railcars have survived into the modern era, preserved as historical artifacts and reminders of an innovative period in railroading history.

The Nevada State Railroad Museum has successfully restored a McKeen car, specifically Virginia & Truckee Railway #22. Constructed in 1910, it was a 70-foot car and is notable as one of the last still in operation with its original engine.

While the original engine was unfortunately lost, a contemporary diesel engine was installed, enabling the car to reach its initial maximum speed. The meticulously restored car was unveiled on May 9, 2010, coinciding with its 100th anniversary. Presently, it is showcased in Carson City and is utilized for select events.

The museum also possesses the remnants of a second McKeen car, which has undergone conversion into a diesel-electric switching locomotive.

In addition, another McKeen car body, identified by construction number 83/103, is extant in Ramona, California. Originating with the San Diego Cuyamaca & Eastern Railroad, it was subsequently sold to the Yuma Valley Railroad, and by 1921, had reached Alaska. Currently, this car, originally dubbed the "Cuyamaca," is undergoing restoration led by Madison Kirkman of the McKeen Motor Car Company Historical Society.

Additionally, two unpowered McKeen trailers have survived; one serves as a storage facility in St. Helena, California, and the other resides at the Illinois Railway Museum.

Legacy of a Pioneering Vision

The story of the McKeen Motor Car Company is one of relentless innovation in the face of adversity. The company's aspirations, symbolized by its unique railcars, captured the ambition of an era striving for progress and efficiency. McKeen's vision of self-propelled railcars anticipated future transportation trends, even if they did not achieve lasting commercial success in their time.