Inspection Car

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 B&O Railroad Museum. The inspection car was still in operating condition when it retired.