Millersburg – Trolley or Rail Test Train?

A colorized version of a black and white photograph taken in the 1930s in front of the Millersburg Railroad Station, Millersburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. There are two different interpretations of the vehicle that appears to be parked near the baggage shed.

The first interpretation is that it is a trolley which the locals referred to as the “Toonerville Trolley” which took passengers to and from the station.

The second interpretation comes from the individual who took the photo:

March 1937 –
Sperry Rail Test Train at the Millersburg Passenger Station. This Train did not haul passengers but ground flat spots out of the Rails (caused by Locomotives slipping their drive wheels) and checked for broken rails electronically. Baggage cart is loaded for a due Passenger Train, probably in the opposite direction.
Description and photo by John W. Haines Sr.

Which do you think is true?

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For regular postings of Millersburg area historical photographs, see The Historical Society of Millersburg and Upper Paxton Township.

Corrections and additional information should be added as comments to this post.