Model T Ford Motorcar 23 is a representative example of the typical light transportation
vehicles used on logging railroads. They were used
to take staples or "the boss" to the logging camps. and for
track inspection. The Sierra Railroad used a similar car,
which they still have.
Our car is built from a 1923 roadster. The trunk has
been removed and replaced with an era wooden pick-up bed.
The front and rear axles have been adapted with Fairmont
20" wheels. The car was assembled and restored by Tom
Sharpsteen of Orland, the body sheet metal was donated by
Mort and Ole Lindahl of Durham, the fenders by Bill Thomas
of Oroville, the adapters were built by Jim Tangeman of Orland
and the windshield glass was donated by Butte Glass
of Oroville. The rest of the parts were donated by Tom. The
upholstery was purchased by the museum and installed by
David Dewey.
For the first time in almost twenty years, M23 was put back in service on June 2nd, 2018. With great effort and struggle, Charlie Spikes as project lead, Duane Vander Veen, David Elems and Bil Jackson have returned the motorcar to service. It runs well both forward and backward with no problems noted.
Ann Morningstar got a special ride Saturday June 2nd, 2018 as part of the Members’ Meeting event. M23 is dedicated to the memory of her husband, Ron Huey. Ron was very instrumental in reviving it and other pieces of equipment at WPRM and we cannot thank him and Ann enough for being avid supporters of the FRRS.
You can watch a 7 minute video of the M23 and its inaugural run HERE.
Motorcar 23 - September 4th, 2016 Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - September 4th, 2016 Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - August 13th, 2017 Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - August 13th, 2017 Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - August 13th, 2017 Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - August 13th, 2017
New radiator in a box waiting to be installed. Photo by Paul Finnegan
Motorcar 23 - August 25th, 2017
New radiator has been installed and the
engine started. Charlie Spikes, Duane Vander
Veen and Bil Jackson's handy work. Photo by Greg Elems
Charlie Spikes and Duane Vander Veen place M23 on three rail for a test run on May 31, 2018. Photo by Paul Finnegan
Charlie Spikes warms up the engine before taking M23 out a test run. Photo by Paul Finnegan
Charlie Spikes taking out Ann Morningstar for inaugural run on June 2, 2018.
Charlie Spikes taking Debbie Shuman out for the second inaugural run on June 2, 2018. Photo by Kerry Cochran
