Burlington Doodlebug in Amazonia, Missouri. This train is on the St. Joseph/Amazonia/Barnard/Maryville/Hopkins/Clarinda/Creston route. self-propelled railcar most commonly configured to carry both passengers and freight, often dedicated baggage, mail or express, as in a combine.[1] The term has been used interchangeably with jitney. The name is said to have derived from the insect-like appearance of the units, as well as the slow speeds at which they would doddle or “doodle” down the tracks. They were the last effort at passenger service on non-mainline tracks. They have considerable charm and were famous for the loud whistles.
