Railroads having been using small man pushed or small powered rail born "Speeders" for many years. The Nolan car a mainly just a lightweight version of those man pushed Maintenace devices used by railroads for years. I addition to the FDNY I have been a railfan for years and have ridden on "Speeders" and hand pumped "Hand cars" a few times. The Metro Transit Authority at one time had a Hi-rail small Pumper that was designed so it could run on railroad tracks to the scene of a fire or other emergency. Does anyone know if it is still in service? Here are some web photos of a Bangor & Aroostook Railroad Speeder, a Burlington Northern Santa Fa high rail crane, and a Canadian National RR High rail inspection vehicle.
Captain Bob Rainey FDNY Engine 26 retired