This three wheeled inspection bike, called a velocipede car, has engineering links to our pump trolley, vehicles which were once common on the railways for permanent way work. Built by the Sheffield Car Co., Three Rivers, Michigan, USA, it is still in their livery. The Sheffield company traced its origin back to around 1824, and was brought by its own agent, Fairbanks Morse and Co. in the 1890s. It then merged with Colt Industries in 1964. The Three Rivers factory was closed in 1960.

It was known as No. 1 Velocipede Car, they were designed to be light enough to be lifted off the track quickly and easily. Our machine has wooden spoked wheels and a push away, pull towards frame, that creates the motion with linking pedals. The outboard wheel carries little weight and so tends to mount the rail on curves with uncertain consequences to the driver. Due to its geometry it will not move in the reverse direction without derailing. It was built not earlier than 1887, and is believed to be part of a batch purchased by the London & North Eastern Railway.

The Sheffield company traced its origin back to around 1824, and was brought by its own agent, Fairbanks Morse and Co. in the 1890s. It then merged with Colt Industries in 1964. The Three Rivers factory was closed in 1960.