Trains were often used in army maneuvers as seen here on the South Carolina Railroad in the early 1830's,
and the Best Friend was one of them.
Sources: Railroads, Praeger; Railroads and The Character of America 1820-1887, Ward; The Worlds Railway, Pangborn.
Some photos are from the collection of Frank Moore and some are courtesy of his research on behalf od the CCNRHS.