A wonderful steam powered bus from Hoquiam, Washington State. From the looks of this bus and after studing photos of other early buses, passengers were allowed to ride on the top of some of them. There appears to be a ladder going the back wall and foot rails on the roof. The photo was dated 1902.
Steam Bus….
The Butler Car
Edward Butler first began designing this tri-car when he was only 18 years old. Three years later in 1884 he took out a provisional patent on his invention which specified – “A petroleum tricycle or small automobile carriage since it is not provided with auxiliary pedalling gear and was fitted with a comfortable seat and footboard“. That same year he announced the arrival of his tricycle, now called the Velocycle and amazingly a full year before Gottleib Daimler patented his now famous invention. In 1887, a still young Butler formed a syndicate to further it’s development and apply for another patent for the improved tri-car, by now named the Petrocycle. The following year he tested the car on the streets of London but further modifications were needed including the ignition system and a jet carburetor {by Butler} called the Inspirator. Unfortunately, Butler’s hopes of further development ended due to a lack of financial backing and the wonderful piece of engineering was scrapped. What a shame.
Posted in Auto photos 1885 - 1920, Motorcycle photos
Home Sweet Model T.
All the comforts of home including lace curtains, this incredible motorhome was built around a Ford Model TT truck chassis. It is a very ornate version of one of the earliest RV’s and it looks like it even has stained glass in the top panels.
Posted in Out Of The Box, Trucks, buses and equipment photos
