The official name of this vehicle is a Railway Motorcar. It is known as a "speeder", "jitney", "railcar", "track car" and "putt-putt" (for the noise the first one-cylinder motor made). The motorcar was used for inspection and light maintenance of track and signals. It weighs from 800 lbs. and up. The lighter cars have handles that pull out from the back so that it may be picked up like a wheelbarrow and moved on and off the track at a grade crossing. The heavier cars have hydraulic turntables that allow them to do the same. They are powered by several different engines: a two-cylinder, 18-hp engine, a 4 cylinder Ford industrial engine, a 6 cylinder Ford industrial engine, and an 8 cylinder engine. They are capable of speeds as high as 45 mph on well maintained rail; however, the normal cruising speed is 20 mph. They are driven by flat belt, motorcycle type chain and drive shaft. There is a friction brake lever that is pushed to apply the brake shoes on the outside of each wheel. The wheels and brakes are insulated so they will not activate signals and crossing gates as a train would.

Between 1980 and 1985 the railroads began dispensing with motorcars. They have replaced them with pick-up trucks adapted to run on rails, called "Hyrailers". Rail fans purchased the motorcars at auctions. The first organized clubs were formed in 1990 to restore, preserve and display the vehicle on planned, legal excursions. Members belong to the North American Railcar Owners Association, and are insured, licensed and regulated by that organization.