N.J. Pull
The Kalamazoo Railway Supply Company was founded in 1883 to build a special design hand pump car. It failed, but the company turned to building more standard design pump cars. It branched out into steam propelled cars and then gasoline engined motor cars. It became one of the major makers of motor cars. In the 1960's it diversified into non-railroad related fields and sold its railway division to Tamper, Inc. in 1969.
The Model 55 was introduced in the early 1930s. It was available as a gang or hump style motor car. The 55 was the standard model and the 55-B had a removable superstructure. The model 55-12 (shown below) carried 12 passengers and was designed as an inspection vehicle or for very light passenger traffic lines. This report will only deal with the two motor coaches.
The model 55-12
Both models had a 65h.p. engine. The 3 speed and reverse transmission turned a drive shaft to the frame mounted reversing gear. Two sets of Sprockets and chains drove the rear axle. Two complete brake systems were supplied. Hydraulic band brakes (external contracting) and toggle lever brakes were provided. The 55-12 used four 20" rubber cushioned wheels. The 55-24 used the same wheels in the rear, but the front pony truck used four 18" wheels.
The model 55-24
The 55-12 could be equipped with four wheel drive by running the chain drive to the front axle as well as the rear. Both models had frames of riveted and welded 5" channel steel with draw heads front and aft. Top speed for the 6,500 pound 55-12 and the 10,300 pound 55-24 was 50 m.p.h. Both models could be built to narrow gauges down to 30".
The seats were wicker. The standard ones were reverable. As a option, they could be covered in leather. They were not reversible.
The vehicles were finished per the customers wishes. The standard interior had a gray linoleum floor. The rest of the interior was covered with leather or painted a light gray.