They Will Be Used on the J., C. & L. E. Road This Summer–A McKeen Car Purchased and the Viele Car Will be Tried Out.
From a statement made by J. D. Griffin, assistant to Receiver Bullock, of the Jamestown, Chautauqua & Lake Erie Railroad, this morning, it is assured that motor ears have been finally adopted for passenger use on the little road, after years of talk and uncertainty. The Viele motor car, which arrived from Warren a few days ago for a trial on the road, indicated that this method of locomotion was to be tried, but on Tuesday a second car, one manufactured by the McKeen Motor Car Company of Omaha, Neb., was actually purchased and paid for. It is to be delivered in April.
When asked about the Viele car Mr. Griffin volunteered this information regarding the purchase of the McKeen car and authorized the publication of the news. For the reason that a car was wanted without fail for use this spring and summer it was deemed advisable to order one that had already proved successful in actual service rather than to await the outcome of the tests of the Viele car. The McKeen type of car has been in use several years and one of them, a magnificent affair, passed through Jamestown a few years ago and was admired by many people at the Erie station.
The ordering of this second motor car simply means that if the Viele car proves successful, and Mr. Griffin seems to feel sure that it will, there will be two motor cars in service on the old Chautauqua Lake road the coming summer, with a two hour or better service between Jamestown and Westfield. New ties have been ordered for April delivery and as soon as possible the work of placing the roadbed in repair will be started. The repairs will mean practically the rebuilding of much of the line, and this, together with the new equipment, will mean more adequate and more comfortable service for the people along the line than ever before.
The Viele car is to be tested as soon as Mr. Viele, the maker, arrives from Warren to oversee it himself. Mr. Griffin is optimistic about the success of the car. At a distance it looks much like a new passenger coach or trolley car except for the pointed forward end where the 250 horse-power, direct drive, six cylinder gasoline engine, electrical equipment and other mechanical appliances are located. The car is of heavy steel construction, both as to the body itself and the frame as well, heavy steel girders running the length of the car. It has a wheel base of 48 feet and is 70 feet long over all. The woodwork of doors, seats, etc., is oak finish and the interior is nicely appointed in every way. The car is painted a dark green.
In front is the engine room; back of that a baggage compartment, then the smoker with seats for sixteen persons. The seats are upholstered in cane. Between the forward part of the car and dividing the smoker from the main passenger part, is a gangway with doors opening out on each side of the car. To the rear of the gangway is the passenger section with seats for 32 persons. The rear end of the car is slightly curved and the rear seats are chairs which may be turned about. There is a rear door for use when other cars are attached.
The car is heated with a hot water sys-tem, but there is a coal heater for use in case of emergency. There are electric lights and an electric headlight similar to those on the traction cars. The car is also provided with a toilet and washroom for the comfort of passengers. In the main portion the upholstery is in plush and this, with the other decorations, makes the appearance very attractive.
There is the usual equipment of air brakes, air whistles and also a bell similar to those on locomotives for use in approaching crossings. The front is equipped with cowcatcher and snow flanger.
Mr. Griffith stated that the car will first – be placed in service on the present sche-dule, it being deemed advisable to make no change until the weather will permit the repairs, after which the more frequent se vice will be begun. – Jamestown Journal.
Source: Westfield [NY] Republican, 14 February 1912, p. 8, NYS Historical Newspapers.