A name no doubt inspired by their shape, 'Galloping Goose' was the name given to a series of seven railcars (offically called 'motors') built in the 1930s by the 3ft gauge Rio Grande Southern Railroad and operated until the cessation of the railroad in the early 1950s.
The financially struggling RGS developed the first of the Geese as a way to stave off bankruptcy and keep its contract to run mail to towns in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. There was not enough passenger or cargo income to justify continuing the expensive steam train service at then-current levels, but it was believed that a downsized railway would return to profitability. The steam trains would transport heavy cargo and peak passenger loads, but the motors would handle lighter loads. The first was built in 1931 from the body of a Buick "Master Six" four-door sedan and it had a two-axle truck (bogie) in place of the front axle. More here
The Geese were both less expensive to operate and significantly lighter, reducing impact on the rails and roadbeds. This cost saving meant that the first Goose was reportedly paid off and making a profit within three weeks of going into service. In all RGS built 7 Geese, of which 6 surpringly survive operational in different museums.
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