Tinplate photos 📸 and videos 📽

Jim  Kelley-Evans the AF Wide Gauge "President's Special" is one of the peaks of American Tinplate in my view.  It is truly beautiful and it was great to see it running.  thanks for posting.  Tinplate Art thank you for your compliment on "Joan"...those little cars are humble but fun and I always get a smile thinking of the joy that they might have brought to some young person in 1930 as the world began to collapse.  Daniel - what can I say, your offerings are spectacular.  Beautiful JEP coaches.

My offering today, which I also posted on the layout thread, is my singular accomplishment in improving my layout in months.  It is the installation of the 1953, Hornby No 2 Junction signal.  It will now protect the team/passing track that goes behind my City Depot.  This signal was made for many years then was unavailable during the war.  It re-entered the Hornby line in 1953 with a few changes, mostly it was slightly smaller.  My Hornby reference fixes the date of this one to 1953 because in 1954 they changed the color of the dummy lamps behind the signal lenses from white to black.  Anyway, here is my new signal installed on the layout.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy weekend everyone

Don

Yes, the Christmas layout is still up. Plugging away at it in my own dogged way. Except for the woeful lack of signals, it is pretty much accessorized. You will note (horrors) snow glued to the roofs. This is a mix of joint compound, washable Elmers glue and diamond dust, so completely reversible. (I hope) Doesn't matter, this is their final destination.

I posted the unfinished balustrades a few weeks ago. For now they are "cream", matching the bridge posts. I could make the actual rails and turnings green as suggested by John Shelter, but will it be too busy?

Still have to finish the ballustrade on the other three sides, make legs, and add a few more figures and cars.

Will, the layout looks great. Incorporating the balusters into the perimeter looks very classy as does the finish matching the Lionel sign. Painting the balusters green is a tough call, I wonder if you could photoshop that to see how it would look.

The layout looks great, Will. My opinion, I'd leave the balustrades a cream color. It works well with the winter theme, and darker coloring would likely appear garish against the white of the layout. On the other hand, if you're looking for contrast, a nice apple-green might look nice.

Don, I have a Hornby semaphore on the layout as well. I'm not sure of the vintage, and a previous owner repaired it with two same-height fixtures (one should be taller than the other). While the mechanism is manual, mine has a pair of connectors on it which are presumably for lighting...not sure, haven't spent any time trying to figure it out.

Will when you previously solicited opinions on the balusters I thought cream and green like the 102 bridge based upon the photos you had posted. Now that I see your “Classic” looking layout in its entirety I would just leave them cream. They are a nice subtle contrast to the table facia and adding green may look too busy.  I also like your pale green control panel corners. Overall the layout is great and features some very nice pieces of Lionel memorabilia.

PD;  signal looks great. Note you have “lattice work” on the uprights which date your signal as pre-war. Not sure about the terminals but expect they were for the lights as you suggest. The chevron color does coordinate somewhat with year of production as do a few other small details like whether you have finials or flat caps on top of the uprights. I can try to see if my Hornby reference gives any clues as to Year if you wish.

Don

PD.  That signal is nice. I just got finished redoing a few old AF signals.

Will / PD great layouts.  Will that "Lionel Lines" table is really neat, was that a commercial product or did you make it?  OBTW I have used "Elmers" white glue to temporarily hold things (mostly my layout people) and it is normally reversible but it does seem to get tougher with age.  In addition packing stuff with Elmers on it away in the attic (hot/dry) seems to make the glue tougher to get off.

Well besides my "new" Hornby No2 Junction Signal I also managed over the Holidays to acquire a little Karl Bub cw train set.  This little guy is not old, most certainly post war, likely fairly new (plastic wheels).  However he was auctioned off at a very low price and  I just couldn't resist.  Loco is all tinplate except for the plastic drive wheels and has a clockwork motor (which works fine).  Motor is also all metal, both frames and gears and incorporates a simple brake with a lever in the cab. Cab is marked    "413E" under the cab window whatever that means.  Loco has a rear swiveling hook coupler also made of sheet metal.  Rest of consist has simple hook and eye couplers where the eye is just an extension of the frame stamping.  The tender has an "eye" on both ends whereas the gondola has one eye and a swiveling hook similar to the loco.  No idea when it was made although it is marked "Made in Western Germany" which, if accurate, would put the date before October 1990.

Here is the full train, showing the small consist of just the tender and a gondola.  Note the "lightning bolts" on the smoke deflectors.  I liked the neat black / orange color scheme as well.

Here he is coming at you showing the (simulated) marker lights (just a tab with holes) and you can see the "BUB" name on the front pilot.

Side view close up of the locomotive.  He is just 4 3/4" long and 2 3/4" high to the top of the cab or smoke deflectors.

Here is a boiler front view, showing some detail embossed into the boiler front stamping and more easily showing the "BUB" name printed on the pilot.  By the way, there appears to be some sort of vertical mark just ahead of the word "BUB".  Under a magnifying glass it is simply a short vertical stripe, no idea what it means or perhaps it is just left over from a part of the paint stamping that has eroded - like perhaps the BUB was supposed to be surrounded by a printed rectangle.

The tender, with its orange frame and rivet / leaf spring  detail. It is but 3" long and 2" high to the top of the coal pile

The gondola, appears to have writing on it, but under close evaluation the writing is just simulated with a series of short "dots".  It does have a number, "62541" and the legend "made in western Germany" . The black panel in the lower left is just a simulated car data panel but it contains no actual writing.   It also has an odd logo of sorts in the upper right hand corner.  It is hard to describe but resembles a semi-circular head with a capital "T" under it.  ??? who knows what this means, help from anyone most desired.  Gondola is 4 " long (not including couplers) and 2" high. Frame shows same leaf spring detail as tender.

Although this is likely an inexpensive toy, I remain impressed with the quality of these German made toys.  The construction, while inexpensive, is solid, well executed, and without obvious production defects.  The finishes are solid and well done, embossed detail is high, and one gets an overall impression of quality work.

Well that's it for me today.  Anyone who can help with any further information on the Karl Bub train set it would be most welcome.

Best wishes

Don

Nice job, Pete. I have a well-worn Lionel 76 that could stand a refurb, but then part of me says leave it as it is.

Thanks for the Hornby info, Don. Someday I'll take some time and trace the circuitry on it. I tried connecting it to a transformer years ago and it immediately tripped the pack circuit breaker.

I'll post a pic when I get a moment.

PD

Daniel: Love that beautiful JEP set!

Don M: DELIGHTFUL Karl Bub set - a real little GEM!

Here's another piece from storage I had not seen in many years and one I'm quite proud of :  Lionel's Scenic Park from 1932.

Aside from my Grandfather's 390E and passenger cars, which hold great sentimental value to me, this is probably my favorite piece from 50 years of collecting. In fact I own very little in the way of rolling stock as I have always focused on the factory built accessories and scenery. Given it's size of almost 5 ft. long and low production numbers (offered 1932-33 only), this piece stands alone for me because of how hard they are to find, especially complete and in good condition.

From Greenberg's Guide : 920 Scenic Park (1932-33). Rectangular plywood two-section base with rounded corners and raised felt composition terrace, hand-painted and detailed with grass, trees, hedges, and shrubbery, two 184 Bungalows, two 189 Villas, two 191 Villas, 910 Grove of Trees, 914 Park Landscape. 57" x 31 1/2"x10" high, illuminated.

I really like the abundance of trees , the ground covering, and especially the hedgerows.

Each Bungalow or Villa has it's own set of hand made wooden stairs which descend from the top of the terrace to the "Park" area below. Some of them lead to the sidewalk which runs along the backside of the platform .

A brass makers plaque adorns the front

Each house is wired for lighting and there's a recessed wood cavity that allows the wiring to jump from one section to the next when the two halves are joined. I wanted to show this as well as the underside framework  but the post is already getting photo heavy . Perhaps I will make a separate thread for it someday and add some of the construction details for anyone who may be interested.

Hope you enjoy seeing it as much as I do.

That Lionel factory-built scenic plot is too awesome for mere words!    Literally priceless!

Gerry, I am VERY interested!

Gerry, that is a pretty amazing possession to have.  I don't think I've ever seen such detailed photos of one. Did you see my winterized scenic plot on the Christmas layout I posted a few posts up?

Yes I did Will,  I added my "Like" this morning. Looks like you made your own corner elevation in the back left. Very nice work I enjoyed looking it over and I agree with the others who say the balusters look good in that cream color. Looks factory.

@Don McErlean posted:

Will / PD great layouts.  Will that "Lionel Lines" table is really neat, was that a commercial product or did you make it?  OBTW I have used "Elmers" white glue to temporarily hold things (mostly my layout people) and it is normally reversible but it does seem to get tougher with age.  In addition packing stuff with Elmers on it away in the attic (hot/dry) seems to make the glue tougher to get off.

Don

Don, I love the Bub set. As for the table- home-made. I still have to make the legs which will be tapered straight legs in the same ivory color. One thing different than the Lionel factory tables is the chamfered corners.  A lot of work, but it sure makes walking around it in a tight space easier.

Scott Smith

ALL great artifacts shared here by seasoned collectors who truly appreciate their found treasures! THANK YOU from this vicarious "armchair" enthusiast!

Hi All !

Well AGAIN .. no new tinplate from the Aussie this week .. things are looking dire indeed!

( I did buy a little Gama clockwork tank , but its in no way train related lol )

@Don McErlean Your little Bub is in really great condition and as you have already decided it is probably from the late 60's to late 70's time frame due to the plastic wheels ... the "T" mark is often found on european wagons... I have a few Kraus Fandors and other German makes  with it ... I am assuming it was a makers mark of the real life wagons, or a designation from real wagons that has been carried over to our "toys"

bub

Kraus

Will / Fatman:  Thank you for your comment on my "Bub" set.  Fatman, I agree likely 60's or 70's for the manufacture date due to the plastic wheels.   Thank you also for your illustration of the symbol on my gondola car.  There is  no doubt that the one you showed in the pictures of the cars you posted is the same symbol.  Have to try and find out what it means.

G-Man-24 / Gerry :  WOW!!! I have never seen this item before in fact until you quoted the Greenberg reference I never knew it existed.  What a find!  Candidly I cannot imagine how wealthy a family had to be in 1932 (depths of the Great Depression) to afford such an item for their children.  I did read some articles on Lionel Factory displays and it mentions that each one was hand built so they differ slightly one from another.  I have never seen even a picture of one as elaborate as yours.  Thank you for posting.

Don

One of the hazards of a garage layout in an area where strong winds are common is the need for regular cleaning. Another section depopulated, track cleaned and carpet vacuumed. Now to clean the buildings and put this section back together. This is my European section. Good view of the over the top cloth wiring.

Steve

1666e and small tank cars

Whew !!!

Finally broke the drought !!!

Nothing uber fantastiche but I will take anything at the moment LOL

Locally here in Aus I scored two little passenger carriages .. one Marklin and the other Pionerexpressen

Yet to do full dilligence on them but I was so excited about finally having something to share I could not wait .

Marklin is 1926-31 apparently from a quick search while posting and the Pionerexpressen is the first item from this Danish manufacturer in my collection ... for now it will only have the Wittrocks to keep it company until I find him some friends

@scott.smith posted:

Scott Smith

Scott, I really like the way the lower level tracks sit down in the weeds. Reminds me of branch line tracks as opposed to the high iron. Nice work.

PD and Fatman:

Fatman: If you ever make that trip to the US, you will be pleased to know that your Pionerexpressen Coach has an identical  "mate" here in Texas.  I purchased mine during a business trip to Denmark sometime in the 90's.  My recollection is that I bought it at a "flea" market (in UK this is often called a "Boot Sale") while walking around and paid some inconsequential sum for it.  I know very little about the manufacturer, which I assume is "Pioneer" and would love to know more if you have any information.

PD:  I took the liberty and did some investigation on your Hornby Junction Signal.  Here is what I can make out from your picture

1. It is definitely pre -war.  The "lattice work" on the uprights was offered from its introduction in about 1925 until the signal was withdrawn along with the rest of the line for the war in 1939.  

2. Your two uprights above the spectacle brace galley are the same size.  That indicates that someone may have modified the signal as you mentioned in your post.  I have no pictures of any other signal, pre or post war that the two posts were not tall to the left and short to the right.

3. I cannot see the base, but its color is important for dating.  There were 3 colors black (early), blue (middle years) and green (common to late pre war and all post war signals)

4.  I can see the color of the ladder and the bell cranks , both black .  However, again it see a possible modification, as all the illustrations I have show the bell crank at the base and yours appear at the gantry.  (Note - my reference states that there were many, many variations to these signals and the position of that bell crank may indeed have been one).  

5. I note that the top of your uprights have flat "caps" and not finials.  This alone does date the signal to post 1934

6. Finally a GUESS!  If the ladder is black as it seems in the picture and the base is green.  The flat caps and this combination of colors dates your signal from just prior to withdrawal due to the war in 1939.

7. One more thing. My pictures do not show the combination of chevron (yellow) and stripe (red) flags.  Most No. 2 signals have flags of just one type.  However, Hornby made a "dual arm" signal (two flags at different heights on one upright post)  that almost always had the two different flags.  OBTW the "Distant" signal was the yellow chevron and the "Home" signal was the red stripe.  Again my reference allows that variations on these themes were numerous, in fact the book claims they were too numerous to completely list.

For your information.  My  data comes from..."The Hornby Companion Series, The Hornby Gauge O System" by Chris and Julie Graebe, New Cavendish Books, UK, 1985.

Hope this helps you to date your signal.  Note, if the base is NOT green, let me know the color and I can most likely quickly date the signal by that alone.

Don

Ok, a bit late, but I finally made a video of the Christmas layout I have been working on and posted stills of earlier. (The layout is not quite finished but close enough) You'll have to get in a Christmas mood, but I thought you might possibly find it entertaining. It is dedicated to my Dad as most of the trains are his from the late 1920s to the mid 1930s.  As I said in my earlier post, it is a "what if" Lionel table layout. But there two things that are not Lionel (aside from cars etc.). One will be obvious to prewar collectors (repainted to disguise it a bit).  The other is this set of 4 telephone/telegraph poles that were my grandfather's.  I think they might be Voltamp, but I really don't know. They seem to be cast, no markings, and are 10" high. They add some nice forced perspective to the scene. Can anyone positively identify them?

Please check out the video and tell me what you think. And keep in mind that this is my first youtube video ever (shot with an iphone 7) and first time using an app called MoviePro and first time editing in iMovie. It was an adventure to try to shoot the darker scenes and this is about the limit of my current abilities and equipment.  There is a certain amount of noise and motion blur.  It was one or the other or a bit of both. Anyway, I had a lot of fun learning the software and making it and look forward to making more "movies". The soundtrack is a Christmas favorite recorded by Joe Moss and His Society Orchestra in 1935.

Will, what a great layout and a super video.  It really looks neat including all the captions and the background music.  Super job.  I for one have been fully unsuccessful in getting any video I shoot with my iphone to transfer to this site.  If you have somewhere that instructions or guidance was posted, I would really appreciate the link or source.

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Will, what a great layout and a super video.  It really looks neat including all the captions and the background music.  Super job.  I for one have been fully unsuccessful in getting any video I shoot with my iphone to transfer to this site.  If you have somewhere that instructions or guidance was posted, I would really appreciate the link or source.

Don

Thanks, Don, for the compliments. I think Rich has a sticky topic about imbedding video. But mine isn't embedded. I just copied and pasted the youtube link. You might need to post it to a site like youtube or vimeo and embed or link from there. I don't know for sure, but I suspect you can't upload a video directly to this forum.

@Will posted:

Yes, the Christmas layout is still up. Plugging away at it in my own dogged way. Except for the woeful lack of signals, it is pretty much accessorized. You will note (horrors) snow glued to the roofs. This is a mix of joint compound, washable Elmers glue and diamond dust, so completely reversible. (I hope) Doesn't matter, this is their final destination.

I posted the unfinished balustrades a few weeks ago. For now they are "cream", matching the bridge posts. I could make the actual rails and turnings green as suggested by John Shelter, but will it be too busy?

Still have to finish the ballustrade on the other three sides, make legs, and add a few more figures and cars.

Will , that is fantastic looking ! And great job on your ballustrades , they add a lot to the look of your display .

Will,

your telegraph poles are Märklin

Roland

@rdigilio posted:

Will,

your telegraph poles are Märklin

Roland

Ahh, what vintage?

@JohnnieWalker posted:

Will , that is fantastic looking ! And great job on your ballustrades , they add a lot to the look of your display .

Thank you, Johnnie Walker. I also posted a link to a video of the layout a few posts up.

@Will posted:

Thank you, Johnnie Walker. I also posted a link to a video of the layout a few posts up.

I watched it and gave it a thumbs up!  

Will,

according to Schiffmann they are #2402 (later 2355) and were made from 1904-1923

Roland

@Will posted:

Ok, a bit late, but I finally made a video of the Christmas layout I have been working on and posted stills of earlier.

Great job with the video I enjoyed it. The telegraph poles fit in nicely.

Annnd the floodgates are opening again

Just scored an addition to my post-war US-zone Wimmer 8-wheel carriages

A nice little DSG Carriage wending its way to me from snowy Denmark to mate nicely with his green brethren already in the collection down here in the sun 

( although someone has had a great time turning his usual downward facing couplers into exited erect bananas! )

@Don McErlean Pioner expressen ( if searching you have to get the spelling right lol ) is a Danish maker of mainly O guage stuff founded in 1947-8 by Knud Petersen in Copenhagen and shut up shop about 1965 . Knud P. was the original name applied for the very first sets ...in 1948 Knud bought out another Danish manufacturer of train sets CEPAS ... a short history can be found here

https://translate.google.com/t...v=search&pto=aue

https://www.binnsroad.co.uk/railways/cepas/index.html  <----CEPAS

Which shows how the family diversified into eventually Slot and Jukebox machines along with  model train production ( It is thought they saw the writing on the wall when Marklin began its push into the Scandinavian countries in the late 50's )

A catalogue can be seen here for the trains & history etc as part of the 50th anniversary of Knud P .

Sadly as its a pic its still in Danish lol

https://translate.googleuserco...DcVEmvM3Wv1Vc3QRxmyA

Fatman:  Thank you very much for the information on Pioner Ekspressen and its founder and history.  I looked up all the links you provided and downloaded the info, so now I have some data on this company that I had never had before.  I was struck as I looked through the catalog (although as you said the captions under the picture are still in Danish)  of the similarity of the small loco with the orange colored platform to the small Karl Bub loco I posted pictures of on 2/6.  Perhaps some of those tools sold in 1978 made their way to Bub to continue a line of inexpensive toys??

Don

I got my shipment from ETS. Now my Banana Train is complete.

Scott Smith

@scott.smith posted:

I got my shipment from ETS. Now my Banana Train is complete.

Scott Smith

Scott- thanks for posting these.  I have been telling myself for years I am going to buy an ets engine directly,  and I think with this year's tax return it will finally be time.  How do you like your engine so far?  How was the buying experience from ets?