While the legacy of the McKen Motor Car Co. is justifiably mixed, motor car operations contributed significantly to the Union Pacific’s success during the first half of the twentieth century. In the end, the automobile proved the ultimate competitor. Following WW II the railroad gradually discontinued branch line motor car runs. Although outshined by later innovations, the McKee motor car deserves a place in the long list of UP motive power accomplishments.

By James L Ehernberger and Marc A Entze

Published by Union Pacific Historical Society

Hard cover | 248 pages. | 11 x 8 ½ “