Surry, Sussex, and Southampton/Argent Lumber Co. No. 25/ (602?)—Ford Model T

Motorcar No. 25 was built by the Surry, Sussex, and Southampton Railway/Surry Lumber Company in 1925 out of a 1925 Ford Model T phaeton and castings from the nearby Berkley Machine Works.  S.S.&S. had a fleet of these converted Model T phaetons and were all of the 600-numbering series.  This numbering series was borrowed from the Norfolk & Western Railroad’s 600-series 4-4-2 “Atlantic” type locomotives.  We are not certain which number in that series No. 25 was originally given by S.S.&S. However, due to its age, it is likely the last one built, and therefore is likely No. 602 or 603.  These motorcars were used as section cars, for personal transport, for Sunday outings to the Scotland Wharf, and even for hauling ice.  Sometime in No. 25’s life (most likely at S.S.&S.), the phaeton body was removed (sans cowl) and a wooden passenger body was built. While the original color of the wooden body has not yet been discovered, it is clear that it was painted silver before arriving at M.C.R.R. in 1960.  At an unknown date, No. 25 was sold to Argent Lumber Company.  It was included in the purchase of Argent Nos. 2 & 6.  It was assigned a spot number (25) by M.C.R.R. before the original numbering series was known.

West Side Lumber Co. No. 11—Ford Model A

Motorcar No. 11 was built by West Side Lumber Company and was used as a fire-car and section car.  “Jitney” No. 11 (in West Side terms) utilizes a 1929 Ford Model A engine, transmission, and rear end, though essentially everything else is scratch-built.  It was purchased by us along with West Side Lumber Company Shay No. 9 and several log car trucks in 1966.