Barry Munro Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I was reading a book the other day with the story
> set at the time of the Great Chicago Fire, before
> 1906, possibly earlier......there was a reference
> to one of the characters riding the 'dummy train',
> an expression I've never heard before. Does anyone
> have any ideas on what it could be - perhaps a
> suburban service of some sort?
>
> Thanks
> Barry
A "Dummy" was a steam locomotive disguised to look like a trolley. In theory at least, horses on the streets were less likely to become scared and bolt.