Wednesday, June 30, 2010

21 Jewel Illinois Model 161A Railroad Pocket Watch

Illinois Model 161A Railroad Pocket Watch

Illinois (U.S.); Serial # 5562543; Circa Date: 1938
CASE: 16 size, open face, gold-filled, yellow, plain.
DIAL: White, porcelain/double sunk, Arabic numerals, spade hands.
MOVT: 21 Jewel, lever-set, fully adjusted, lever escapement, nickel, 3/4-plate, signed.
This watch has been professionally serviced and is in good running order.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

N Scale Model Railroad Layout 3 Sectional

This is an N Scale model railroad layout that is 3 sectional with table folding legs. Can operate 6 trains at the same time.


Section 1 -- is fully completed that can run 2 trains on the outside oval with 1 train running on center fig.8 over and under or 2 trains on section 1 and 1 train btn section's 1, 2 and 3 . Can also switch so 1 train can run gong on outside and and 1 train on the center oval to the fig.8. Has a small town, commerical area and train station. Building's have inside lights. Has 8 flashing RR xing lights.16 electric switch's, 7 sideout's, and operating street lights. Measure's 29" x 60".

Section 2 -- is about 75% complete. Has a lumber yard and warehouse factory. 15 electric switch's, 8 sideouts. Can run 3 trains btn section's 2 and 3. Measure's 30" x 48'.

Section 3 -- track operation, bridge's complete and operational. section 3 is about 25% complete. Needs landscaping, mountains or a factory and coal area. Has 4 tunnels. 1 double track and 3 single track. Has 3 bridge's, 1 double track and 2 single track. 5 sideout's and 13 electric switch's. Measure's 30" x 48".

This layout is easy to seperate into 3 sec's. Remove tracks across each sec and unbolt and disconnect wiring. This layout does not have a cover, so it will probably need a covered trailer or truck. All switch's operate and all track on sections 1 and 2 are complete with ballast.

Monday, June 14, 2010

Beginning Your Model Train Collection

By: Victor Epand

As a hobby collecting and running model trains has been around for many, many years. It is both fun and informative and can be enjoyed by people of all races and sexes. It can even be enjoyed by all age groups. The feelings that they get when watching the model train as it goes puffing around the track. With all the attention to detail that goes into building these displays it must be very time consuming and boring, right? Wrong! Model building is actually rather easy to pick up and run with.

The first thing you will need to do is to educate yourself about the different scales that are available to collectors. Some model trains will be much too small to work with if you have large hands. Alternately you would not want to buy too large of one if you are limited on space. Check your available space against that of the scale you have chosen and see if they match. Another thing you will need to decide is whether you want to collect the new model trains or if you will be trying your hand at collecting antique model trains instead.

This will also help you decide whether you will be running your train or just collecting it. Now you can begin to learn what skills you will need to be able to work on building your model train display. These skills can range from being able to paint the landscape to molding some of your features out of modeling clay. There is a bit of creativity involved in the larger scale displays that are normally associated with model trains.

Another skill that you will need to read up on is small electrical work. You will probably be doing a fair amount once you get into building so it pays to know what you are doing. It is true that you might not have this sort of experience when you first start but with time you will find that it comes second nature to you. You will also benefit from speaking with other model builders. They can be a great source of information for beginners and advanced builders alike.

There are several different organizations to this extent and all of them usually welcome new members at any time. They are excellent sources of tips and tricks to make your display look great as well. One more thing you can do is to attend model train shows. You may be able to find one in your area that is close enough that you can take time and attend. You can see model trains from everywhere.

You can get many ideas from model train shows by looking at the different displays at them. You can also begin to show off your model trains as you get more confident with your techniques. Above all you can have fun. Model trains are educational as well as fun. As such you should be able to enjoy your new hobby as you learn more about trains every day.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, beginning model train collectors, and compact model trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Model Trains As A Hobby For Children

By: Victor Epand

Did you ever collect model trains as a child? If you did then you might remember the awe with which you viewed the train as it tooted around the track. These trains seemed to be especially prevalent at the holidays and you could just imagine all the gifts that they would carry to all the good boys and girls.

Now you are grown and you have children of your own. They are interested in video games and such stuff but you want to find a hobby to keep them occupied and teach them with as well. One such hobby is that of model train building and collecting. The first thing you should do is to find a train that is acceptable for your child's age. There should be several different ones available and you can choose to allow your child to assist in the selection process as well. For example, you would not want to choose a Z scale fully wired train for a seven year old. You would probably be better off starting them out on an H0 scale or slightly smaller.

This also works in reverse. You would not want to buy your twelve year old a big clunky childish model train. Allow your child to assist you in selecting their first engine. They can usually pick out one that they like while you make sure that it is one that will be suitable. The next part you will need to decide is what sort of track layout it is that will be needed for their new train. Again, you will want to pick one that they can work easily with but not too much so. After you have the basics you will then be ready to get them started.

Allow your child to set up the train and tracks as much as possible on their own. Encourage them along the way and give pointers when needed. Tell your children about your experiences with trains as a child. Help them to understand what is involved in train collecting as a hobby. Try to stimulate your child by also picking up some books on trains as well. These can be about the history of the railroad or just amusing children's stories. As long as it can capture the child's attention it will work.

Now that you have piqued their interest you will need to keep it. This can be by any number of ways. You might offer new box cars as a means of rewarding you child for making good grade, or doing their chores. You can also offer to provide some of the accessories for different tasks that they complete and excel at. If your child enjoys watching videos then you could pick up one of several that show real life trains and how they work. There are so many ways you can incorporate different train related tasks to alleviate their every day boredom.

Before you know it they will be old enough to collect them on their own. You will have then started them down the road to a hobby that is loved globally by innumerable people. It is also a hobby that will help you to teach them different lessons such as the importance of chores.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, model trains for children, and compact model trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

How To Buy Model Trains Online

By: Victor Epand

Have you loved playing with or collecting model train sets since you were little? Have you thought about starting a new collection now that you have grown up a bit and you have more space to do so? You might have also considered picking the hobby back up as a way to spend quality time with you and your child. Either way you are looking for a way to begin collecting train sets once more.

There is a tool that is available now that was not around for many collectors years ago. The Internet has now connected model makers and model builders that previously would never have been free to communicate. A great equalizer, the Internet, it has made model collecting available to all who wish to do so.

Before you get started on the net you will need know a little bit about trains so that you can best choose the ones you want to start with. Check your local library for books on trains and you will soon know which type you would like to collect. You will want to write down the names of particular engines as well as the time period that it was located in. Once you begin to actually research for your model train you will find this info definitely can and will come in handy.

Now you are ready to hit the net. There are several different suppliers out there so you will have to probably check with several different ones before you will find one that suits your needs. From trains to scenery and more you will find all sorts of info available out there on the net. The first thing to know will be how much space you can devote to your model train collection. This will be one of the major deciding factors as to which of the models you should choose. The next will be the skill level that is required to run the train.

If you do not want to buy direct you may be able to find the train you are looking for at an online auction house. Sometimes people will decide to liquidate their collection for one reason or the other. You may just find the treasure you are looking for. Run your search based first on the name of the engine and then sort according to manufacturer.

One thing you will want to ensure is that you do not pay too much for your model train. It is easy to do if you do not shop around a bit. You will have to look around if you are looking for an antique train. You can probably expect to pay a high price if you just go with the first one you see. By taking your time and looking around you can actually save a good deal.

Model trains can make an excellent hobby for both adults and children. The key to getting started is in knowing where to go online to find the model train set that you want.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, model trains online info, and compact model trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Writing An eBook That Falls Into One Of The 6 Most Popular Categories

By: Connie Ragen Green

Ebooks come in all types and sizes, but they tend to be based in one of six categories. How-to eBooks tend to do very well, but people are actively searching
for additional information in each of these categories on a regular basis. Depending on your interests and level of knowledge and expertise, you may want to take a look at which category your eBook will fall into. This will help you to determine the exact needs of your target market. Here are the six major categories of eBooks that are the most popular on the internet.

1 - Business and Money-Making - This category has to do with helping people to start a business or make money doing something that you know how to do.
Perhaps you have been in a career for a number of years or have owned a part-time business. You have specialized knowledge that can be valuable for others who are interested in doing something similar to make money. Even if you are no longer actively involved in this type of career or business, you still have the ability to write about your experience and share it with other people.

2 - Health, Well-being, and Fitness - If you have survived an illness, are currently dealing with a life-threatening disease, or have achieved results in an area related to health, your experience will be of interest to others. Even if it is not you that has
gone through the experience, but someone close to you instead, many people will want to know exactly what you know that will be helpful and beneficial to them and their situation.

3 - Hobbies, Sports, Collectibles, and Recreation -Anything you can imagine that someone might be interested in, this is the category where it will probably go. Some examples are scrapbooking, hang gliding, model trains, and tennis. The more specific you can be about your topic, the more interested the people will be who are also looking for information on the internet.

4 - Politics, Religion, and Society - Again, these are areas where people can become quite involved. This is also a difficult category to monetize many times, because of the large quantity of information available online for free. Make sure your information is relevant and will give the reader beneficial information.

5 - Self-improvement - This category is becoming more popular as people become more aware of what is available to them. Sharing your own experiences and
success will help you to become well known in this arena.

6 - Family and Relationships - Anything to do with interpersonal relationships falls under this category. You can write your own ticket if you are a coach or consultant, or simply want to help others in the area that you choose to specialize in.

Spend some time thinking about how your eBook will fall into one of these categories. Then do your research and begin writing. You will be on your way to building a successful and profitable online business.


Author Resource:->  Connie Ragen Green teaches you how to write articles and eBooks to build an online business, as well as how to use the technology needed. Visit http://www.ebookwritingandmarketingsecrets.com/ to find out more.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Friday, June 11, 2010

Building A Compact Model Train Layout

By: Victor Epand

If you love model trains but you are limited on space you will have to consider trying something a bit different. Why not build a compact model train layout? A compact layout will allow you to still enjoy the model trains you love so much while not taking up too much space. The first thing you will need to figure out exactly how much space you will have to dedicate to your layout. If it is going under a bed or any place similar you should consider keeping it within a 4x6 area. This will still give you a layout you can enjoy while keeping it from within reason.

If you are looking for a scale that is easy to handle for young children then you should choose HO scale. It will keep it at a manageable size without getting too large. If you are looking for one for yourself then the N scale trains have a track that usually runs about 9mm apart and cars that are about 3 to 5 inches in length. The first thing you will need will be your board for the train to be mounted to. A piece of plywood that is 1/2 inch thick and cut to your necessary dimensions will do perfectly. You will also need a sheet of Styrofoam that is 2 inches thick and the same dimensions as well.

When these are glued together you will then have a solid base for your train that at the same time will be protecting your carpet with the foam. You will now need to sketch your train layout onto the plywood and see how it is going to fit. Make sure that you are adding enough parts such like switches and interconnecting loops. Once you have it all laid out you will be ready to prepare your rail bed materials. You can glue these into place with white glue.

If you will use road bed material made out of cork board will help to keep your train much more quiet. It can be a lot of work to do, but it is not really essential so if you do want to skip this step then you will not be losing anything important. You can now begin to attach your rail components. You should use small nails to do this. Make sure that you are using insulated track connectors to keep track sections that have switched polarity separated.

Your next step will be to attach the wires to their correct places. You will need to drill all the necessary holes through the base and you can then begin to attach all their components in the correct places. Once you have all these installed in the right places then you are ready to attach your power supply and try it out. If everything is working right then you have installed it all properly and you are finished. Your train should still be light enough to handle yet large enough to be able to enjoy. Have fun!


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, compact model trains, and compact model trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Displaying Your Miniature Model Trucks

By: Victor Epand

Model collecting can be an excellent way to spend your time. It is an interesting hobby and can help you clear your mind. It is also a great way to relieve your stress. It can take up a good deal of your time and can take up a bit of space as well. With miniatures there is no exceptions. There are, however, many benefits to collecting miniatures that one might not realize if they are considering them for the very first time.

One of these benefits is the amount of space that you can possibly save when collecting these miniatures. One thing to clarify is that when you are talking about miniatures you are referring to anything that is built on a 1:64 scale. There are some manufacturers that will classify their trucks on this scale they can actually range from a bit bigger all the way down to 1:1000. This will all depend on the type of truck that is being modeled. No matter how you see it this size will still save space. It can also mean that they may stay much more affordable for the consumer.

Once you are actually ready to display this collection you will find that there are many different options that you can choose from. One way to display these trucks is to place them on a knick knack shelf. These shelves can be place on the wall and will make a great display for your miniature trucks. Another way to display these trucks is to build a diorama. These can make a great way to display your miniature trucks.

A diorama is a way of depicting a scene that can be either imaginary or real. It might be a campground that you are trying to copy or it may even be a cityscape. You can include everything form miniature animals, plants and people to many different types of scenes. There is a long history of building dioramas and they have been used as a way to copy exact scenes. Some people are very passionate about building dioramas but this number is slowly dropping and the art is in danger of dying out.

If you choose to try this method then you will need to know the scale that your diorama will need to be built upon. You will want to match the scale of your model truck first. If your model truck happens to be 1:64 scale then your choices would be easy. It would match up with the S scale for model trains. You would also be correct in calling this scale 3/16th as well. Now that you have this knowledge you are ready to be able to choose what scene you would like to build and exactly how many trucks it will be able to hold.

Another consideration was exactly how big you wanted your diorama to be. This can be easily based upon the overall number of model trucks you are going to display. You can build them as big as you can imagine and go all the way down to shoe box size. There have been dioramas built that were even as big as entire rooms. Again, the only limitations you will have when you go to build this sort of diorama is the amount of space you able to allot and the amount of money you will be spending. The money will be offset by the amount you have saved by buying the miniature trucks. Now you will only be held back by your imagination.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for miniature model cars, model trains, and model truck miniatures.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

New Model Trains In The Future

By: Victor Epand

The past of the model train is filled with design changes and ideas. From wind up models to spring driven ones there are a world of methods used for locomotion. Steam driven models have been used as well as gasoline driven. The current method of choice for movement is electricity. Many of the past methods mirrored those of their full size kin. This begs the question, will they continue to do so in the future?

In many areas the idea of trains that could run on a Maglev system beginning to become accepted. In Japan in 1962 research of the possibility for actual Maglev travel would be feasible. Maglev testing ran for many years before an actual manned run could be attempted. The goal of a successful test run finally saw its day in September of 1982 and was a two car run.

By 1998 the testing crews were ready to attempt a passing run. Two trains were successfully able to pass each other at speeds of close to 966 km/h. In 1999 the test trains then passed each other at speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h. In January 2001 The Imperial Prince and Princess of Japan were the first ones to experience the very first trial ride. By March of the next year more than thirty thousand people had been on a trial ride of the Maglev technology.

Needless to say, Maglev technology is now here to stay. With top speeds that can surpass anything that rides a normal rail it may soon come a day when Maglev will cause standard rail travel to become obsolete. It may seem like a world away but with rising transportation costs it may come sooner than later. So, what is Maglev and what makes it so important?

Maglev, a derivative of magnetic levitation, is a method where magnetic fields alone provide the sole support for an object. This is achieved through the use of electromagnetic force to overcome the effects of gravity. The force that provides the lift is usually magnetic levitation. There is normally a mechanical support that keeps the system stable while bearing very little load. Another term for this process is know as pseudo-levitation.

This means that trains equipped with Maglev technology are no longer directly dependent on oil as a source of fuel. They still depend on electricity which could be provided by fossil fuels but this is still a greatly reduced amount. If all trains were converted to this type system the initial cost would be great but the potential for savings is greater.

This could possibly mean the demise of the steam driven locomotive. So, what could this mean for model builders? Will the model trains of tomorrow be based on the current designs of the bullet trains and the Japanese Maglev train? It is conceivable that before long the models could actually be functioning on this sort of technology. This can also be a boon for model train collectors. The "old" electric trains will soon become collector's items as well and could soon be fetching high prices just like the cast iron ones that came before.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, model train concepts, and model truck dioramas.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Building Your Antique Model Train Collection

By: Victor Epand

There is a long and glorious history that surrounds model trains. They have been delighting kids and adults alike for many years. There are a few different companies that have been manufacturing and distributing model trains in the United States for ages. If you love model trains and would like to get into touch with the history behind them then collecting antique trains may be right up your alley. If the idea appeals to you then there are some things that you should keep in mind.

With a history that dates back into the 1800's model trains have been around long enough to produce many innovations. The first locomotive that you might want to consider would be a Lionel. Made in the early 1900's their model trains came with many different working parts. It boasted tiny electric motors and different accessories such as railroad crossings, and stations. These engines functioned when they were attached to a pulley. This was then attached to some of the accessories to run them.

Some of the very first model trains to be distributed across the United States were actual mock ups of the real things. Most of these model trains worked by use of a spring system or had to be worked manually. Some of the most famous names tied to mass production of these trains were Garlick and Weeden. These can make a very nice addition to any antique collection.

There were many smaller manufacturers between the late 1800's and the very early 1900's. One of these was the Bergmann Company that was located in New York City. During the 1870's they produced miniature trains that were made of tin plate. These were actually some of the very first to come out and worked by the use of a clock work mechanism or were spring based as well. There were other small name manufacturers around this time as well. Some of these included Fallows who were out of Philadelphia and Brown who was out of Connecticut.

Companies such as J & E Stephens, Pratt, and Letchworth found popularity in their tinplate trans as well as their cast iron ones. The cast iron ones soon outstripped the other ones in sales due to their ability to be mass produced. Light metal trains found their rise in the 1890's due to the amount of decoration that could be included on them the much cheaper price that they were offered for.

No matter which of these types of antique trains it is that you wish to collect you cannot go wrong. From tin type to cast iron each is worth a good deal to antique dealers and collectors alike these days. It is best to start your collection with one particular sort such as the lightweight wind up kinds until you get all you can and then you can move on to another type.

Once you have all your antique model trains you can then display them in a spot of honor. These are pieces of history that have helped to lead the way to the model rail industry as it is today.


Author Resource:->  Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, antique model trains, and model race trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Monday, June 7, 2010

Model Trains And Their Attachment To The Past

By: Victor Epand

There is a deep and flowing tie to the past between model trains and their full size kin. Without the big locomotives of the past the models would have never realized such a long and glorious reign as a popular hobby and pastime. It is hard to imagine a train without a model or a model without a train and it would seem that they are destined to remain hand in hand.

The locomotive first began as an idea to make life easier by carrying heavy loads across the land in such a way that man or beast would not have to struggle as much. The many innovations that came along with rail travel did not come over night nor were they created by one super genius. Much time and thought went into these developments.

The man that is considered the inventor of the very first steam locomotive for use on rail lines was George Stephenson. The world's first locomotive, however, was actually built by Richard Trevithick. An Englishman, Trevithick also operated this steam engine from 1803 to 1804. The father of American railroads is considered to be Colonel John Stevens. George Pullman was the first person to design the sleeping car for the railway making the railroad much more traveler friendly. This car became appropriately known as the Pullman Sleeping Car.

A huge innovation toward making the railroad much safer was the system of air brakes that was invented by Mr. George Westinghouse who held many other patents as well. Railroad Car Couplers were invented by Eli Janney and were named after him and a former slave, Andrew Jackson Beard, created an improvement to the Jenny Coupler. George B. Dorey himself had more that 175 rail transportation patents.

Women have made very significant contributions to the history of the locomotive as well. The safety feature that has saved innumerable lives over countless number of years, the railroad crossing gate, was invented by Mary L. Riggin. In an attempt to reduce the number of derailments Eliza Murfey created a lubricating system to use on railroad car axles. The infamous L-Trains in New York City also benefited from a woman's touch. Mary Walton created a noise reduction system for them.

These great iron horses though would likely not have enjoyed their birth and subsequent reign either had it not been for the foresight of some of the great minds of the world who once built a model. Great inventors have often made a model before they ever tried their hand at the full sized project and locomotives are no exception. Even the great Leonardo DaVinci drew sketches of great machines that he imagined would one day fill the world. One of these drawings appears to greatly resemble a steam engine. Who knows, it might have been or it might not. All that matters now is the fact that they are here to stay no matter how many changes take place. The railroad as well as model trains are here to stay.

Author Resource:-> Victor Epand is an expert consultant for model cars, model trains, and model trucks. You will find excellent hobbying and trading resources here for model car tricks and tips, model train history, and model race trucks.

Article From ArticleSlide.com

Sunday, June 6, 2010

LIVE STEAM LOCOMOTIVE 1/4 SCALE -3 1/2 INCH GAUGE


The steam locomotive arrived in America with sufficient force and perfect timing to do precisely the job needed for an emerging nation with a considerable task to perform. America was not the first to develop steam locomotion - that had been the privilege of the English - but in the burgeoning states of America the problems that this monster of industrial development faced were far greater and more dramatic than the British pioneer engines were required to surmount. America was a vast, untouched landscape, with distances that no "civilizing" nation had previously encountered, and the ter­rain itself was more varied and less tamed than anywhere in the world at that time.
One of the most popular and successful vehicles to set this national force in motion was an American type 4-4-0, the definitive early form which first appeared during the 1830s, when much of the early pioneering track was well underway. The most famous example of this locomotive was called the"General," built by Thomas Rogers of Paterson, New Jersey. The type formed the most numerously-built of all the engines in this great growing country. Rogers incorporated the latest of Stephenson's developments - a gearing system that permitted more than the "full forward" and "full back­ward" movements, giving the opportunity to use the steam power to its com­plete extent. Additionally, the new design brought improved features, such as the provision of adequate space between the cylinders and the drive wheels, thus reducing the maximum angularity of the connecting rods and therefore the up-and-down forces of the slide bars.
In the rugged and varied lands of the Americas, flexibility was needed on curves, and the slightly later versions of the General contained side move­ment on the leading "trucks" or "bogies," producing a greater facility to han­dle curves at speed.

In these early days of US pioneering, the "extras" available were many and varied, with beautiful adornments such as brass name-plates and fancy trim. But as the competition increased, and the financial restrictions of the latter part of the nineteenth century grew, the "American" became the "American Standard" - which had a tougher style with less trim and with more severe lines. It was a locomotive type which nevertheless sold more than twenty-five thou­sand engines.


Model is 46 inches long
x 7 ½ inches wide x 13 inches high
Live Steam model 4 - 4- 0

Saturday, June 5, 2010

HO brass Ingalls 4-S GM&O with long stack

HO brass Ingalls 4-S GM&O with long stack.
Made by Ajin Precision of Korea.

This model has been imported by Ampolex in January 2008.It is powered Canon EN-22 can motor with twin flyhwheel. Amazing detail; cab interior detail; all axles powered, window glazing, roof fan interior detail etc.....


Each locomotive has serial number.
Factory installed Kadee couplers #5

Friday, June 4, 2010

Live Steam Scale Model Logging Donkey Engine


1/4 Scale Model Steam Donkey. Weighing around 250 lbs. and measuring 57" high x 24" wide x 46" long. Bronze castings include two engines and cross slides. Also included are two 6-inch diameter by 3/4-inch steel crank disks, bronze eccentric, cast iron piston and rings, and all moving parts for the engines. The two engines run on 25 lbs. of steam or air pressure. The bore is 1.75 inches with a 2-inch stroke. It also features a 10" x 24" boiler that is 3/8-inch thick with a Penberthy injector, oilers for both engines, a pop off valve set at 100 lbs. and two 9-inch spool drums with oak clutches, braking system and ratchet-and-paw.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

7.5 gauge 1/8 scale 040 live steam engine w/ tender


Built from the ground up with a "little engines" pattern from Mason's Trains Ltd. Includes a 7.5 gauge 1/8th scale 040 full steam engine and tender with a certified boiler.
There are many invaluable upgrades to go along with the standard parts and features:
Plumbing for cylinder
Petcocks for cylinder
Blow down valves
Functioning lights
Stack insert kit
Cover dome
Front and rear coupler
Hand rails
Boiler bands
LSB water treatment
Cylinder oil
Alpha Boiler
Propane fired
Equipped with feed water pump and injector
Footpegs on tender for rider
Milwaukee Road symbol on tender on both sides
Painted black


Dimensions:
7 feet long from front coupler on engine to rear coupler on tender
23.5 inches from bottom to stack
16 inches wide
Approximately 600 lbs. total weight
Alpha boiler came from "Alpha boiler and pressure vessels" in Canada. It includes 17 pages of certification, certified to 125 lbs., hydrostatically tested at 200 lbs., and includes a radiography report.
All tubing is 3/8"x.065" wall copper tubing.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

1886 - One of A Kind John W. Rice Antique Railroad Car



On July 4th 1885, and July 18th 1886, patents were issued to John W. Rice for his invention of a new braking method for railroad cars. His major competitor was Westinghouse. Though not techically a "patent model", one submitted at time of application, as used to be required, the Rice car provided "illustrative services" for the company's sales staff. The car, illustrated, is a perfect scale model that shows the effectiveness of the Rice patents, and works in every detail. The car was carried all over the world to demonstrate the method, by inclining the base support, lifted on brass rods enclosed in bottom grooves, and applying the brakes with the working, scale trucks. It is truly a "work of art" and is "one of a kind"!! Almost 4 feet long and 18" high , built of solid mahogany and brass, by a long-gone artisan. The decorative figures(not original!) standing in the car are 8" to 9" tall. The Rice car is a real part of railroad history and belongs in the collection of a true railroad historian or quality museum.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

SCRATCHBUILT BRASS WM CLASS M-2 4-6-6-4 CHALLENGER


Western Maryland M-2 Challenger Road Numbers 1201 to 1212.
Built 1940 Baldwin Locomotive Works - Scrapped 1953
Used for Pusher Service Hagerstown - Connellsville

Time frame:

Prototype 1940.
Scrapped 1953.
WWII 1941 - 45.