Nick Pull
These 3 models were advancements and improvements on earlier models. They became available for purchase in 1934. One of the major problems with using a non-proprietary engine from a motor car maker is the possibility that the car maker will stop making or supplying the engine the car is designed for. When Ford replaced the Model A (40h.p.) with the Model B (50h.p.), North Western had to replace the Model A with the Model B drive train. Neither engine was really powerful enough for the larger motor coaches. As soon as it became available, North Western started using the newer Ford V-8. The new Ford engine, transmission, radiator and cowl were used to power a new series of motor coaches.
A 561B was an extra gang car. It was powered by a Ford Model B drive train. It seated 8 and could haul several trailers.
The 561-V8 is nearly identical to the 561B except for the 88 h.p. V8 engine replacing the 50 h.p. 4 cylinder engine,
The 562H-B was an extra gang car. was designed for hump yard use. It seated 24 and could haul another 200 in trailers. it was basically an longer 561-B
The 561H-35 extra gang car seated 35 and could be had with either a 4 cylinder or V8 engine. It was advertised as being able to operate on "all grades and logging railways".
The 565-V8 used an 88h.p. Ford V8 engine and its companion transmission, hood and cowl. It was available with a wide variety of body styles and wheel bases.
The 555T-V8 enclosed inspection car was a shortened version of the 565-V8. The drive train was the same, but the chassis was much shorter. For use as an inspection vehicle, being able to turn around at any location was important. Speed in turning was less important than ease. It would be very rare for the persons using this vehicle (the Road Master, Division Engineers, etc.) to be in the way of a train. If it was, usually the train would have to wait until the inspection car was turned and moved out of the way.