SILVER SPRING, Md. — The National Capital Trolley Museum has added an Evans Auto-Railer — a 1930s vehicle designed to operate on both roads and railways — to its collection. The vehicle operated on the Arlington & Fairfax Railway from 1936 to 1939, providing service between Rosslyn, Va., to Fairfax City and Fort Myer, near Arlington Cemetery.
“We are thrilled to add Arlington & Fairfax No. 109 to our collection,” said Eric Madison, the museum’s executive director. “This vehicle not only adds an exciting new dimension to our exhibits, but it also highlights the innovation and adaptability of transportation solutions that were developed during the mid-1930s. We invite all enthusiasts, families, and history buffs to visit and explore this fascinating piece of automotive and railway history.”
The vehicle, essentially a bus with a set of retractable rail wheels, was marketed by the Evans Products Co. of Detroit as a solution for economical operation of branchline and shortline passenger operations. The rare vehicle will be displayed with the museum’s existing collection of historic streetcars. More information on the museum is available at its website.
I wonder how many were produced?