Jeep-Trains Research Archives

Willys Jeep trains and trams were used all over the United States to pull visitors and tour groups through parks and cities. CJ-2As, CJ-3As, CJ-5s and CJ-3Bs

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Daytona Beach Trains & Jeeps

February 22, 2019 • CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .
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Thanks to Roger Martin for pointing out these series of jeep pics from 1950s Daytona Beach. These were all posted to the Greetings from Daytona Beach Facebook page.

  1. These 1959 photos show Charlie Fogg’s Beach train, which ran a four mile round trip pulling one or more trams. You can see it’s a jeep under that train facade. That might even be a CJ-3B.
    1959-daytona-beach-jeep-ride3 1959-daytona-beach-jeep-ride1959-daytona-beach-jeep-ride2
  2. This one looks to be a second version of Mr. Fogg’s beach train:
    1960s-daytona-beach-charlie-fogg
  3. CJ-3B sporting a dog racing sign:
    1954-dog-racing-daytona-beach
  4. This ice cream vendor might be a CJ-3A:
    1956-ice-cream-vendor
  5. Mr. George Tetter, the Ice Cream Man, at Daytona Beach with his CJ-5:
    1980s-mr-tetter-ice-cream-man-cj5
  6. Two 1946 photos of an early jeep (MB/GPW) tram at Daytona Beach:
    1946-mb-gpw-jeep-train-daytona-beach2 1946-mb-gpw-jeep-train-daytona-beach

 

 
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Highland Hammock State Park Jeep Trains, Sebring, FL

February 10, 2019 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: There’s another Hammock State Park postcard on eBay. The original post is from 2013.

“This is a very cool black/white postcard that shows a jeep “Conducted Tour – Highlands Hammock State Park in Sebring Florida” It is unused, but has a hand written date of 1955 on the back. It is in excellent condition.”

View all the information on ebay

hammock-state-park-cj2a-1955 

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Original Post from 2013:
Highlands Hammock State Park ran tour trains from at least 1948 – 1962.  As the first photo shows, they started with a CJ-2A.  It looks like a set of benches on a platform with wheels.  By 1962, the park shifted to CJ-5s.  It also appears they added sides.  I images that was safer.  These are all from the State Archives of Florida.

http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/56346

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http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/56343

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http://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/78488

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More Tour Jeep — Jeep Train Photos

January 31, 2019 • CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: , .
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Derek Redmond shared some more jeep-train and tour jeep photos he’s uncovered on various sites. Cool stuff!
 La Roche-en-Ardenne Belgium 1980 Spa Belgium

AtlanticCity

 
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Postcard from Fantastic Caverns on eBay

January 3, 2019 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: , .
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UPDATE: Another postcard with this image is back on eBay.

(08/01/2015) You can learn more about Fantastic Caverns here: http://www.ewillys.com/2012/11/22/bill-visits-the-fantastic-caverns/

“Springfield Missouri~Jeep & Tram Thru Fantastic Caverns~1960s Postcard”

View all the information on eBay

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Het Nationaal Modelspoor Museum

November 20, 2018 • CATEGORIES: Willys Wagons • TAGS: .
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Netherland’s National Train Museum includes one of the oddest wagons I’ve seen. Thanks to Scott for sharing this photo from Facebook.

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Baraboo Circus Jeep Train Postcard on eBay

November 13, 2018 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: , .
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UPDATE: There’s another Baraboo Postcard on eBay.

(08/04/2014) This CJ-5 used to ferry visitors around Baraboo. I visited Barboo about two decades ago, but never saw it. It must have already been gone.

http://www.circusworldbaraboo.org/our-treasures/history-of-circus-world/

This jeep and tram toured through Baraboo, pointing out various circus sites, including final resting spots in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

This jeep and tram toured through Baraboo, pointing out various circus sites, including final resting spots in Walnut Hill Cemetery.

 
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Lewis and Clark Cavern Jeep Railway Postcards on eBay

August 21, 2018 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features, Old Images, Postcards • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: This was last published in 2012. A couple of the postcards are back on eBay.

Originally published November 10, 2012: The Lewis and Clark Cavern was Montana’s first State Park and is located here. You can read about the history of the caves here.  In 1947 the Montana Standard published an article about the cavern accompanied by the photo and caption below. You can view the entire article in this PDF file.

Here are three postcards related to this Jeep Railway.

1. View all the information on eBay

2. I haven’t seen this one on eBay in a while …

3. View all the information on eBay

 
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Conch Jeep Train Key West, Florida

February 1, 2018 • CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: Mark shared this closeup photo of the Jeep Train ‘Engine’.

conch-tour-train-key-west-mark-lores

Original Post — Jan 19, 2013: Here’s a jeep train out of Key West, the ‘world famous ‘Conch Tour Train‘.  You can still find the Conch Tour Trains wandering Key West.  Here’s a picture of one.  It looks to be a CJ-5.  Here’s an article about them.

conch-tour-train-key-west2

Vintage Conch Tour Train Pics:  Check out all those shrimp boats in the background. you can just make out the jeep trapped under the shell of the train body.

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/77312.  Picture taken by Barron, Charles.

conch-tour-train-key-west-floridamemory

State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/77286.  Picture taken by Barron, Charles.

conch-tour-train-key-west-floridamemory2

 
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1943 Photo of Jeep Hauling Cargo Car on eBay

December 10, 2017 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: .
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One of the better jeep train photos.

“1943 Press Photo Pvt. Ward directs the jeep carrying cargo and three others. This is an original press photo. 6 –The jee takes on cargo at the loading platform in an air depot. The jeep has only one small trailer. In jeep is Sgt. D. Kelly. of Betava, N.Y. Pvt. Ed. L. Ward, of Kenton, Ohio, directs from the platform, while Pvt. Henry Martion. of Great Falls, Mont, is in the truck on platform. Sgt. M. J. Bacciarina, from Merced, Calif., stands at rear of trailer.Photo measures 9 x 7.25 inches. Photo is dated 08-20-1943.”

View all the information on eBay

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1943-08-20-jeep-rails-train-australia2

 
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1950 Popular Mechanic Post on an Amusement Park

June 25, 2017 • CATEGORIES: Features, Fire/Police/Industry Vehicles, Unusual • TAGS: , , .
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In the same January 1950 Popular Mechanic’s issue about the Santa Fe trail, Gayland spotted an article about jeeps (pages 104 and 105). Note that the jeep in the first pic looks to have a CJ-2A body, as the bow holders are there.

View the article here (you will have to search for the article within the magazine).

1950-01-popular-mechanics-amusement-fire-jeep-other3 1950-01-popular-mechanics-amusement-fire-jeep-other2

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Postcard of Wisconsin Deer Park on eBay

April 1, 2017 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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Seth spotted this postcard depicting a jeep pulling visitor trams at the Wisconsin Deer Park at the Wisconsin Dells. Opened in the 1950s (see history here), the park still operates, but there’s no evidence that the trams are still used, The closest thing to a jeep tram is a kids train.

View all the information on eBay

jeep-safari-tour-jeep-jeep-train-wisconsin-dells1 jeep-safari-tour-jeep-jeep-train-wisconsin-dells2

 
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St. Augustine Jeep Train

December 10, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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Another example of a Jeep Train. This one is from St. Augustine.

View all the information on eBay

st-augustine-postcard-jeeptrain1 st-augustine-postcard-jeeptrain2

 
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1943 Photo of Jeep Riding the Rails

January 18, 2016 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old News Articles • TAGS: .
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This photo and caption was published in the Toledo Blade, August 13, 1943.

1943-08-19-toledoblade-jeep-on-rails

 
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Postcard of DJ-3A Surrey Pulling a Matching Trailer

July 15, 2015 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, DJ-3A, Features, Postcards • TAGS: , .
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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay.

This Winter Park Surrey postcard doesn’t pop on eBay very often. It shows a DJ-3A Surrey pulling a matching trailer in Winter Park, Florida.

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Here’s another view of the same combo:

 

 
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Arboretum Jeep Train Postcard

May 22, 2015 • CATEGORIES: Features • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: **SOLD** Was on eBay. Here’s another one of these rare Arcadia Jeep Train postcards.

This postcard depicts how tram visitors used to tour the former Santa Anita ranch of “Lucky Baldwin”, who made millions in silver.  According to the website, “Occupying the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita, The Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden is a unique 127 acre botanical garden and historical site jointly operated by the Los Angeles Arboretum Foundation and the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and located in the city of Arcadia.”

The park is located here.

 
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Swiss Inspection Jeep

April 1, 2015 • CATEGORIES: Features, Willys Trucks • TAGS: , .
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Paul spotted this unique Inspection Willys Jeep Truck at Just a Car Guy’s blog. I would guess this was sold as a truck with no bed. What’s odd is the extra cab thing on the top. Looks like it was part of another vehicle.

http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2015/03/swiss-rail-road-inspection-willys-jeep.html

swiss-railroad-inspection-jeep

 
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1964 Photo of the Last Chancer on eBay

March 22, 2015 • CATEGORIES: Features, Old Images • TAGS: .
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I’ve got more information about this jeep train called the Last Chancer from Helena, Montana, here.

“Original Vintage Snapshot Photo Jeep Powered The Last Chancer Tourist Steam Train Helena Montana dated 1964. Size is 3.5×5 inches.”

View all the information on eBay

1964-last-chancer-jeep-train-helena-mt

 
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Train / Allis Chalmers M7 Hickman, NE **Status Unknown*

November 23, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Features, Unusual • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: Was $8500. **Status Unknown**

JAAP correctly noted this was built from an Allis-Chambers M7 Snowcat platform. Here’s  a restoration of a M7 for comparison: http://www.robertsarmory.com/M7-snow-tractor.htm

1944-mb-locomotive-train-omaha0 1944-mb-locomotive-train-omaha1 1944-mb-locomotive-train-omaha2 1944-mb-locomotive-train-omaha3 1944-mb-locomotive-train-omaha4

“Here is your opportunity to get a great piece of American ingenuity and history. This is a one of a kind train built back in the 1950’s by hand. I do not know anything of the man that built it but believe he must have had some railroad experience or a great understanding of how a train operates on the tracks. The train is built with front suspension that allows it to turn with the tracks along with allowing it to float into the turns with the spring suspension. The rear of the train is designed with the same setup. The drivetrain is built of a war time 1944 Willys Jeep. It has the L-head 134.2 cubic inch inline 4 cylinder Go Devil Engine. Followed up with a T-84 3 speed transmission. The transmission has what looks to be a custom transmission brake on it for slowing the train. The transmission is followed up by a shortened drive shaft to a narrowed rear-end to which came from the same jeep. 
The motor spins free and everything looks to be in place as well as the transmission shifting. I have not tried to start it. Last time it was reported to be ran is when it was parked about 20 years ago. The rest of the train is built with a stout frame and a beautifully done engine cover hand formed from numerous sheets of skins to give it a period correct look of its time. The head light is from a 1941 Chevrolet car. 

Continue reading →

 
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Africa USA Jeep Train Postcard on eBay

November 16, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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This is another Africa USA Jeep Train postcard. It’s a pretty good shot of the tram cars.

“Great old post card! The item in the pictures is the item you will receive. Free shipping anywhere in the continental USA. Reasonable rates for other areas.”

View all the information on eBay

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1945 Ethyl Corporation Ad on eBay

November 15, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .
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UPDATE: This is back on eBay

“Original 1945 Vintage Ad Ethyl Corporation Gasoline Curtiss Commando Plane,Jeep,Navy Boat.
In very good condition, measuring approximately 8″ x 10.5″ and is ready for framing.
Comes in a protective plastic covering with a backing board to protect from bending.”

View all the information on eBay

1945-ethyl-ad-burma-jeep-train

 
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1966 Jeep Train Postcard on eBay

November 10, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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Looks like a CJ-5 is underneath the train-looking body. The photo is from Manhattan, Kansas. The train is a Deibler Trackless Train.

View all the info on eBay

1966-diebler-trackless-jeep-train-postcard1 1966-diebler-trackless-jeep-train-postcard2

 

 

 
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1962 Shelburne Museum Map Jeep Train Brochure on eBay

February 9, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Advertising & Brochures, Features • TAGS: .
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You might remember that Ann and I visited the Shelburne Museum in June of 2013. According to this brochure, they used to have a jeep-train (which they called the museum barge). I’ll do some searches for more photos.

One here: Shelburne Museum Map on eBay
A second map here: Shelburne Museum Map on eBay

shelburne-museum-jeep-train

Continue reading →

 
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Jeep Train Postcard from Mackinaw City, MI eBay

January 7, 2014 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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Here’s a rare jeep-train photo Marc forwarded. I’ll see if I can find more info about this. We stopped near here during our stay in Mackinaw City, MI in May.

View all the information on ebay

fort-dexter-mackinawcity-mi-jeeptrain-postcard1 fort-dexter-mackinawcity-mi-jeeptrain-postcard2

 
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1950s Postcard of Africa USA on eBay

November 29, 2013 • CATEGORIES: Features, Postcards • TAGS: .
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This postcard of Africa USA includes one of their jeep trains.

“Take a step back in history and view this vintage souvenir postcard. This is a LINEN postcard. The postcard was published by Curt Teich Company ~ it is a C.T. Art Colortone and is number “6C-H8”, which indicates this postcard was printed in 1956.

This postcard features Giraffe and Rare Grevy Zebras at Africa U.S.A. located in Boca Raton, Florida. The giraffe is eating a tree in the background. Look at the right area of the postcard and you can see a train filled with tourists.

This postcard is a CHILD TICKET for the JUNGLE SAFARI. The back, printed in red, are the price for a CHILD’s TICKET (.85 cents) AND the breakdown of the Costs (Fare .77 – Federal Tax .08 – .85). The ticket number “78979” (each postcard has a different number) is located in the back left corner. This postcard is a used ticket ~ there is a punched hole through the postcard, which indicates it was used: “This Ticket Void When Punched”. The following information is printed on the back of the postcard: Giraffe and Rare Grevy Zebras as seen from jeep safari. These and many more strange animals are all roaming free in this 300 acre fabulous uncaged jungle zoo.”

View all the information on eBay

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William Edwin Pidgeon’s Jeep Train Illustrations

November 18, 2013 • CATEGORIES: Artists/Drawings, Features, Old Images • TAGS: .
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Australian Bill Pidgeon (Wikipedia) had a successful career as an illustrator, painter and correspondent from the 1920s through the 1970s. A three-time Archibald Prize winner, one of Bill’s descendants (Peter Pidgeon) has created a wonderful website devoted to Bill’s life. Among the items the site includes are drawings and photos of jeep trains encountered by Bill in the Pacific war-theatre during his trip as a war correspondent for The Australian Women’s Weekly. In his ‘war letters‘ are some detailed observations about daily life in Borneo following it’s release from Japanese control.

One of Bill’s more interesting observations was recorded in Borneo. On August 16th, 1945, he wrote:

From Labuan another four and a half hours of sitting on a barge like a redhot waffle iron will bring you to the area occupied by the 24th Bgde. This is the land of the celebrated jeep train. Steam engines used to haul the train from Weston to Jesselton but on their hurried way out the Nips did their best to incapacitate the locomotives and the RAAF filled the boilers full of holes. So the engineers put iron tyres on the jeeps and shoved them on the rails and hooked the trucks behind.

Here is an example of an illustration and photo published on the site. There are others from an August 4-6, 1945, letter:

1945-08-04-bill-edwin-pidgeon-jeep-train-ill2 1945-08-04-bill-edwin-pidgeon-jeep-train1An additional illustration sketched by Bill that might interest restorers includes a detailed look at designs and colors used to mark one jeep train.