Built by the Brill Company in 1930 for the Pennsylvania Railroad, this Model 660 “Doodlebug” ran passenger service on branch lines. The term “Doodlebug” is the nickname given to a self-propelled passenger car.
Originally built with a 6-cylendar gasoline engine, after “The Doodlebug Disaster” in 1940 which involved PRR 4648 in an accident in Ohio, it was re-engined to be diesel powered along with all the other “Doodlebugs.”
Pulling up to 2 coaches, it’s capable of going up to 70mph, though we only do a modest 15mph between Kutztown and Topton.
4666 has 6 compartments inside. In the front is the engine room and front end control stand, following that is the baggage room, then the smoking section, the larger non-smoking section, rear end cab and what used to be a restroom on the rear end.
The Doodlebug came to the Allentown & Auburn in 2016 and is currently undergoing restoration. When finished, it’ll have a new roof, fresh coat of paint and more.
