This Rail Bus was built as a city bus in 1929 by the Reo Truck company.
The shops of the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes railroad did build some 2 foot gauge rail buses, but the WMCRR Reo bus was the only one that was converted to standard gauge on rails.
It is believed that this was the last major project done before the shops closed. The shops also maintained the road’s steam locomotives.
The bus was in service there from 1930 until 1937.
At that point it was sold to the Starbird Lumber company in Strong, Maine. It was filled with rocks and used to switch cars around the sawmill. After a time it was put in a shed at the sawmill.
The bus was then used on a former Maine Central branch line
Years later it was sold to a local historical society. It was stored outside and allowed to deteriorate badly.
Clark’s managed to purchase it and spent a full year restoring it. For a few years it hauled passengers in the light traffic days in spring and fall. Traffic has grown dramatically and it only runs rarely.
It can been seen during the September Railroads Days weekend. I can personally attest that it is a treat to ride.
