Tinplate photos 📸 and videos 📽

@Don McErlean posted:

Daniel - what a beautiful locomotive.  My reference on French Hornby lists the 31240 as one of the "Train Bleu" locomotives and offered (after 1929) in Nord brown and PLM maroon, am I correct in identifying your locomotive?  It does list the "4 volt" motor but I had never known that this meant batteries...can it also be run with track power?

What a great acquisition, beautiful for sure.  Thanks for posting

Don

Hello Don,

You are right, identification is perfect and the loco is listed in the French Hornby book.   At first they where sold with blue train cars.  The 4 volts Hornby motor is intended to be run with batteries when you didn't have electricity at home, which as common in those times but Hornby also offered different transformers which are more easy to use.

I have this one which is fixed output of 4-5 volts, maybe more intended to be used with Meccano motors,

So you have to use a special rehostat, to do variable speed,

This one is a 6 volts but it is OK, there is not many difference between the 4v and 6v.
In fact when I test those old motors, I use more power, 9-10 volts ut with heavy amp and for a short time it works very weel, I have run engines in 4 or 6 volts during 3-5 minutes and never had any problem.

All my best wishes,  Daniel

Daniel :  Thanks for responding and providing me a glimpse into the low voltage power supplies.  As I said, I knew of the 4 volt motor but for some reason did not connect it with running with batteries, although that makes perfect sense. Seeing the rehostat  was also new for me, thanks for explaining how the system worked.  You may know but in that era, as you mentioned, when electricity was not common in every home, Lionel published instructions on how to make you own battery using glass cylinders and sulfuric acid!  Imagine the poor mother of that time having that on her beautiful carpet!!

Best Wishes

Don

Well Tinplate folks, I didn't think I would have much to post this week, but I realized that I had made one "tinplate" acquisition at the TCA convention over the 4th of July weekend.  Its not too much of an acquisition but it did represent a small series (650/2650/ 3650) car that I did not have an example of in my collection.  It is the Lionel electric operating gondola (i.e. side dump) #3652 made just before war preparations were about to close down the line for toys, 1941-42.  Note that the "26--" and "36--" designations in front of the "650" number more or less just designate the coupler change from latch to some type of box or automatic coupler.  For the most part the rest of the car is the same as the plain 650 version.  So here is the humble 3652 operating gondola car from 1941.

Here is the side view, this car was always yellow but was made with nickel plates in 1939 and red stamping in 1940.  Black stamping dates this car from 1941 and that lasted until production ceased in 1942.  Yes this gal has had some playing with, but at 80 years old who cares.

Here is the "data end" of the car.  Note that the bottom of the car is slanted towards the front end of the picture.  This side of the car is actually the door and it swings up on a simple pin hinge at each end.  The load then dumps out via gravity.

Here is the number end of the car.   This is the last form of the box coupler, which did not return after the war.  Note the simulated knuckle and pin represented on top of the box casting.

Well tinplate fans, I am afraid that is all I have this week. I hope you are having a healthy and happy week as we pass by "hump day" on the way to the weekend.

Best Wishes

Don

Hi Don, I have a very nice set of 2600's including this 3652 car.  It's the only 3600 series I have and never noticed the distinctive coupler.  Thank you, I just made note of that in a photo label.  The 2652 has metal inserts for the car number and the Lionel name but it is not a dump car, whereas the 3652 is.  When I got the 3652 home the seller had included 6 small wooden barrels.  I thought that was a nice touch.  Chuck

@Chuck242: Thanks for the comment.  You know, I never thought of barrels!  They do make more sense than "coal" or some granular substance which I doubt would empty very well, but barrels will roll right out.  If you happen to have or can get access to Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1901-1942, Vol II in the chapter on "Trucks and Couplers" a short but well detailed discussion on box couplers authored by Robert Pauli can be found on page 130.  He points out that the change from the double rib box to the simulated knuckle and pin box took place in 1940 along with several other changes to the coupler mechanism.

Your 2652 is also a handsome car, I like the 650 / 2650  series even more than the 800 /2800 series because they "fit" better on my small layout.  The 2652 as you described it , with nickel plates, was always yellow.  It didn't switch to rubber stamping until 1940 and then in that year it also switched to orange in color.

Best wishes

Don

Just got mine with red lettering a couple weeks ago. Added the missing brake wheel to it's and need to rewire. I'm going to keep her just the way I got her!

One thing about tin trains, like the real deal they get chipped, scratched and bent.  Testimony to just how much they were played with, tinkered with and enjoyed by generations.  Thanks Donald and Donnie - not a bad conversation considering a single yellow 'toy' that is 80 years old inspired it.

Here's my red 2652. Didn't want to leave her out!

Let’s not forget my two 1939 nickel plate version with black journals and double ribs on the box coupler. Also since I haven’t picked up any prewar barrels I made my own loads from wood dowels. One car uses 7/16 inch diameter and the other has 3/8 diameter one inch long barrels. Both sizes work equally well. Hopefully at York this October I will pickup some needed parts, including a replacement coupler.

Some beautiful stuff appearing this week ! Good Stuff Guys!

Have I mentioned lately how much I love Dutchboy? He had a little something something in one of his auctions for a set of Bing rails on ebay , couldnt get a bid! But I noticed it had a vintage track connector so I asked him if I could buy the auction, he could keep the track and resell/relist without it ... within minutes he has emailed me back basically saying " Stuff the ebay clowns " the connector is mine .. gratis   I already have a goodly amount of Bing track but no connector rail so a huge win for me and a little bit of love sent off into the ether for Dutchboys kind heart

Bing?

Nevertheless its nice to have such a cool old item .

Dowel Barrels is a great idea, thanks for sharing.  The prewar barrels are tapered with the ends so rounded that they hardly stand-up.  I don't think it was that necessary, they probably roll and dump easily enough.  I enlarged a previously 'attached' photo from two days ago that showed a glimpse of the barrel in the lower right hand corner of my yellow dump gondola.  My next mini-project will be to make a series of barrels and drums out of dowel sticks.  Thank you.

Wow guys, I never thought my humble 3652 gondola would result in such a great conversation, great fun!  @Chuck242 - no question the barrels or the dowel's solution to payload works best.  @Donnie Kennedy - neat!  you got the 1940 "red stamp" version as well as the orange / white version, neat...I have yet to find the orange one.  @Rich Wiemann - two handsome examples for sure and the dowel's payload is a great idea.  Thanks to all for posting.

@Fatman - You have the knack of coming up with some of the most obscure yet interesting things.  The Bing track connector is really interesting.  A much more complex design than the Lionel "Lock On".

Best Wishes

Don

Hello everyone,

This week something a little different. The lowly and unappreciated transformer. I have always had a fondness for these, probably since my father was an electrical engineer. So here are some pictures of a couple of Marklin transformers. I love the design and heavy feel of them. Does anyone know where to get replacement cords or knobs for these? Does Ritter have them. So this week hats off to the transformer!
All the best, Miketg

@Miketg- Well someone who likes transformers, Oh Boy!  That is neat!  I have never had anyone show an interest before, so I thought I might contribute something that I obtained with an old standard gauge set many years ago.  Pictured below is a Lionel transformer, designated "Multivolt" and using a stamped steel case which was introduced in 1922.  These continued in various models until 1938.  The 100 watt, type T, that I am showing was first available in 1923 and continued until the end of the line in 1938.

Here is the top view of the transformer.  The voltage delivered to the track depended on two things.  Where the swing arm selector was positioned in its motion from left to right and what set of terminals you used to supply the track.  For example, if you used terminals C-U (U being neutral or ground) then the voltages available at the moveable selector were 2-4-6-8-10. If you used the highest set of output terminals say A-U then the voltages available would be 17-19-21-23-25

Here is a side view of the stamped steel case.  It is about a 3 1/2 " cube and it must weigh 10 lbs!!  Note this same transformer, at least from an electrical viewpoint was available with a cast iron case from about 1915.  I have a copy of the 1917 Lionel catalog and it is pictured in that publication.

Here is a close up of the "Multivolt" data plate with the designation type T visible in the upper right.

Here is the plug for the mains...my label for this is ..."How to die playing with toy trains"   By the way, the insulation on the wire is the old fashioned fabric type.

So there you are folks, how you got power to the track in the 1920's.  In Europe, they made 4 volt motors that could operated on batteries.  MUCH SAFER!!  I have never plugged this baby in and never intend to...

Best Wishes

Don

@Don McErlean nice transformer. I have a later type K transformer… probably 1918 or later… someone replaced the cord with a fairly newer one… probably 20 or 30 years ago… that cord being replaced is the only reason I still use it… it works well although…

                                                  Trainfam

Don, I use a T in much the same condition for the lights, etc., when I set up my SG.  It would be very easy to sort out the stray strands in that plug, and I'll bet it would provide you with similar service for years to come!

Transformers you say?

From new to old ...

Kleinbahn ( Austria)

Still basically making the same model today I think lol !

DAVIS ELECTRA ( Australia )

Made in the 40's and 50's and included in Robilt Maurlyn, and other sets ...

The ubiquitous little Marx ...

And another with the original CP set ..

And then we travel all the way back in the mists of time with ...

A Karl Bub rheostat from the early 20's

@palalliln- thanks for the tip, I might try that although I am a mechanical engineer who grew up on the phrase from maintenance..."show me a wire and I will show you a problem!"  So down there in Australia if in the near term you should see a bright light in the North and hear a scream, you know why!!  

@Fatman - you always have some of the most amazing items, the Karl Bub rheostat is really fascinating.

Best Wishes

Don

Today I had built my self-made Bub elevated railway on the garden table, it was better to take pictures in daylight.

Arne

Scott Smith

@Arne  THAT is a work of ART my friend ... so very well done .. I am in awe of your abilities ... I love it !

A few Twinkletown tin houses I picked up today at the Greenberg show outside of Pittsburgh, PA.  Overall they are in decent shape and even came with a complete light kit.

- Tom

Welcome to the Tinplate Crane Convention

....there's nothing like a crane to provide that needed lift for the weekend.

Prewar repaints. 1688E and some 603/604 passenger cars.

If we are going for cranes this weekend, I offer this 1938 American Flyer crane, with a home-made adapter so it could couple to the 1937 Hudson that was in the same estate sale.  Supposedly the trains were packed in 1967 for a move and never used again, until sold to me c. 2013.

NWL

My Blue set of cars showed up today!

Dennis,

Now you need to find some 6-wheel yellow cars to go with the blue and red cars.

NWL

Very nice for both of you

I think those Yellow ones are the hardest of the bunch to find with six wheel trucks lol.  Kind of the left over empty the parts bin of this full sized O gauge stuff set lol.   But they do look good and if I find a set that I can afford, will have to try and get em lol

Here are a couple of more crane cars...

Lionel 2660

Marx 3550 "scale" type in Red / Black

American Flyer...OK so its not a car but it does have a crane! 

Arnie - cannot help but mention, your craftsmanship is just outstanding.  The EL is just really superb.

Best Wishes to all

Don

Cranes ... I love me a good crane!

And the big daddy of them all ...

Getting a little cranky are we😎

Hello, sorry I am a little late for that "crane party' so here are some more...*

JEP, post war models

L R ones, top post war and the other pre war

a Marklin from 1935, boom and roof are repainted, correct color

And my prefered one, the Lionel 219, here lifting a Hornby gondola..... power at work....

Very Best,  Daniel

@FRENCHTRAINS posted:

Hello, sorry I am a little late for that "crane party' so here are some more...*

...

And my prefered one, the Lionel 219, here lifting a Hornby gondola..... power at work....

I nominate this as OGR's picture of the month!

Crane party!!!

Picked up this restored crane for $40.

A few more.

Bing 13665 (1904-1911)

Bing 10/5121 (1930-1932)

Bing 9197 (1904-1914)

Bing 10285 (1912-1920)

Bing 13806 (1904-1912)

Brimtoy 804 (1932-1945)

Arne

How about we mix things up with some prewar articulated streamliners?

On the tinplate loop, I'm running my Chicago Flyer Green Diamond set. This is probably one of my favorite American Flyer trains, I just love the wedge-shaped nose on the locomotive.

On the inner mainline, I have the set of 1700 series cars that I restored last year behind the set of prewar period, semi-scale diesels that I usually run them with.

On the outer mainline, my MTH command control Hudson is hauling a set of Lionel Classics Railchief cars. These are a very heavy set of metal-bodied cars that need a very strong locomotive to pull them.

Quite a bit of tinplate thundering around the layout! Here's the video so you can hear for yourself.

Ken,

I share your fondness for prewar articulateds.  I am not familiar with the diesels pulling the 1700 set.  Can you tell me / us what they are?

Ken,

Nevermind.  I found your pix detailing the process you used to create the Rock Island diesel tandem.  Way out of my league.  Your work is excellent!

Jerry N.

Very Cool Tin!