Fairfield Nebraska McKeen Motor Car at St. Joseph and Grand Island Railroad Depot Real Photo Postcard

Train Car No. 111, with its distinctive rounded ends and numerous porthole-style windows, represents an early form of self-propelled railcar or "motor car." These units emerged in the early 20th century, particularly between the 1900s and 1930s, as a cost-effective alternative to traditional steam locomotive trains for light passenger and express services, especially on branch lines. Their design, often featuring a streamlined aesthetic for the era, showcased attempts at efficiency and modernity in railway transport before the widespread adoption of full streamlining.

These innovative railcars were crucial for maintaining service on less-traveled routes, offering economical operation by combining power and passenger compartments into a single unit. The scene, featuring workers and possibly officials gathered around the car in a rail yard setting with a water tower, likely captures the unit either during its introduction, maintenance, or as part of a demonstration of new railway technology from the period.