Tinplate photos 📸 and videos 📽

PRR8976   I didn't think anyone had a chance to read it.  I'm glad you liked it. I deleted it because it wasn't specifically about retirement and trains and I didn't want to run the risk of hijacking the thread.

@Robert S. Butler @Co

If any thread is tolerant of a good hijacking it would be this one

Loooook .. tinplate boats ! ...

And noooowwwww its mysteriously back on topic ...

Seamless transitioning ....

Hijacking a thread with tin boats!!!????  Well, I'm sure this Bing submarine will solve that problem!

...and now back to the trains....

I don't have an NYC consist from every tinplate manufacturer...but I am making some progress

Flyer

Bing

Fandor

KBN

  Marx

...and Marklin - still some work to do on this one

@Robert S. Butler posted:

Hijacking a thread with tin boats!!!????  Well, I'm sure this Bing submarine will solve that problem!

...and now back to the trains....

I don't have an NYC consist from every tinplate manufacturer...but I am making some progress

Flyer

Bing

Fandor

KBN

  Marx

...and Marklin - still some work to do on this one

I really enjoy the pics you post showing items that are either unusual or in pristine condition, or both.  Have a question about your process...  Do you have pics already stored of each of your items, or do you pull stuff off your shelf and photograph it for each post?  (It's impressive either way - just curious.)

Robert,

You need to get rid of that unmarked 1108 baggage and replace it with the matching NYC baggage.

Just kidding, but the NYC baggage is nice to have as well. 

I do enjoy the unmarked baggage cars and have three of them.

Red

Green

and Maroon

There are also other un-marked for American Flyer, but distinct American Flyer cars

NWL

NWL - I'd love to get that NYC baggage - maybe someday

Mallard4468 - I have a huge photographic inventory of both my trains and pictures of trains in other collections I've taken over the years. I have them cross referenced in various folders on the computer (and yes, they are backed up - multiple times ) When I need one for a forum post I just pull it out, give it a re-sizing using Photoshop, and post it.  I have a very simple, easy to carry/assemble platform for the train photography which I've used for years  - hence the sameness of the background.

If it is boats, wouldn't the term be piracy?

How about a Tinplate blast from the past! 1939 Lionel catalogue!

I haz sum serius submarination envy

A long cut of tinplate hoppers making the display layout during Model RR days at the RR Museum of PA

From HORNBY boats and trains times 1935...

Daniel

@Fatman posted:

Doing my bit for the Ukraine and adding a little bit of history into the mix as well ...

Coming from the rural city of Horodenka in the south west of Ukraine is a Soviet era pocket railway lamp , used by railway staff for signalling ... it can be locked on , or used as a momentary flasher ( morse code etc for the military), and has inbuilt red and green transparent slides to change the colour depending on message ...

Fatman ... injecting capital into the war zone one flashlight at a time

My Ukranian contribution is this Kharkov or Kharkiv loco. Don't know much more about it but came with and Igra-like coach. Only one I have ever seen on the interwebs. Graeme's Binns Road website shows the stamping ID but lists only battery operated interurban (looks plastic) and a large floor loco.

@Jim O'C  That's a special bit of beauty right there ! I love him And I have never seen or heard of that particular set either ... I did know they did a sort of Triang Big Big Novo copy ( the plastic one you refer to ) but I suspect the little fellow you have is a pretty rare beast , especially in such nice condition ... I wonder if it had a "A" unit with power ? The carriage does look a LOT like an IGRA freight base without the cutout half-moon on the chassis with a passenger wagon top ... I suspect at the time there would have been some co-operation between the Balkan factories ?

I finally got my hands on a book I have been after , and even better an autographed copy ..

Annnd in an exercise of "Mates helping Mates " I also purchased some pre-war Hornby UK LNER electric mechanism bodies.

Because luckily I know this fellow who has a couple of 20V Hornby manual reversing motors and frames, so we shall work out a deal where both of us get a nice operating loco each

And just because I am a sucker for all things Ukrainian and mechanical at the moment .. I bought this Pocket Watch from a watchmaker in Lviv ( LOL! )

A CCCP ( USSR) era Molniya 18 khamen(jewels) 3602 model

I love a good pocket watch and these things are built like Tanks and based off a very faithfully copied 1940's Swiss Cortebert movement , The same as in Rolex's.. Molniya actually improved the design with more rubies , so much so it pretty much remained in production right thru the 70's Molniya was the factory set up by the Russian Govt to provide watches and clocks to the military and Govt ...

Something a bit more mundane, a nice relatively clean 258 and its 1689T tender from the 1939-1941 era recently snagged online:

It featured an O-27 motor, so I presume it was marketed as an uncatalogued part of the O-27 line (unlike the 259/259E series). A bit less trim and a flat headlight rim, most of these came with O-27 consists (former Ives lithographed 1679/1680/1682), but I think this late version might have been out of an #8042 set that featured an O-gauge 654, 655, and 657 consist.

Like most of the low-end pieces, it's tough to find in decent shape.

PD

@Fatman- That is a neat book, I have not seen a copy of it anywhere before, looks like a great reference.  The Soviet watch is fascinating.  I know the Russians seem to have a great passion for time keeping.  I had the privilege of traveling to Moscow in the days before the break up of the Soviet Union and remember the subway trains being timed such that they had to arrive within 1 minute of schedule (iaw a giant clock in the station).  Most arrived on the dot!  @pd- Great engine, I love the 258 and agree sometimes the low end stuff is hardest to find.  I acquired a nice 1110 Lionel Scout engine and had the hardest time trying to find the matching "Lionel Scout" tender.  Finally did after about a year of searching.

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone

Best Wishes

Don

This week something a little different, a KTM electric from Japan, probably early 1960’s. This one is set up for two rail operation. I have a fondness for these Japanese electrics.

On the other hand just picked up a most interesting book from the UK, “A Lifetime with O Gauge,” by Jack Ray. It is a fascinating read and goes into so many facets of the hobby in its earlier days in the UK, truly a time gone by.

All the best,

Miketg

STD Gauge Streamliner Sunday

They look awesome 😎!

I went through the tubs of freight cars in the basement and found a few that could make up an #8042 set:

Not strictly correct. The 655 has automatic couplers (it shouldn't) and the 2657 (which doesn't have an automatic coupler) has the wrong number (should be number 657). Give's me a couple things to look for at York.

I won't tell.

@pd that is a great set regardless of the type of couplers.  However, I think you are being extra hard on yourself.  The caboose, does have automatic couplers, in fact iaw your picture it has the last variant of the box coupler with the simulated knuckle and pin on the top of the box casting.  So it is a 2657 that is the correct number I think.  In addition, you might like to know that this set was also sold by Sears under the Sears # 5975.  The set could have come with either a 258 or a 259E locomotive both all black, and included 8 curved track, 3 straight, 1 RCS, and a transformer.  My reference  lists that the set had a #652 gondola in burnt orange and does not list the # 655 box car.  (My reference is ..."Greenberg's Guide to Lionel Trains, 1901-1942, Volume lV, Prewar Sets, by Dave McEntarfer". ) However this reference is dated 1995 and could easily have been superseded or corrected by now.   All your other choices, except for the couplers, are correct iaw this reference...all cars were rubber stamped, the #654 tank car could have been either the grey Sunoco you showed or the orange Shell, and the caboose was red/Tuscan/white like your picture.

Best Regards

Don

Latest mth auction goodies have arrived!

I love 2816 tinplate hoppers, and I wanted to get one of the unpainted ones from the auction to customize. But now that I have it, I think I may leave it raw just for unique look.  Here it is photoed with a black 2816.  Several of the mth hoppers did not have side placards and both these represent that style.

The hopper came as a package deal with this reefer/auto car.  Since the lid comes off easy I am a bit more confident about painting this one.

What to paint it as I have no idea - so feel free to make suggestions 🙂.

I don't know where you could get the decals/dry transfers/etc. but if they are available somewhere I'd opt for any of the Atlas reefer designs such as:

or

What would even be more interesting would be to choose something like the Cudhay reefer with the asymmetric sides.

I repainted and redecorated this prewar American Flyer boxcar.  I found a dealer on ebay that made press-on vinyl stickers and their listing stated they would re-size as necessary.  So I bought two sets and had them re-size the decals to fit my car better.

NWL

@Nation Wide Lines posted:

I repainted and redecorated this prewar American Flyer boxcar.  I found a dealer on ebay that made press-on vinyl stickers and their listing stated they would re-size as necessary.  So I bought two sets and had them re-size the decals to fit my car better.

NWL

That's good to know.   I think something smaller though.   I want it to be a tinplate car first,  so the decoration should be somewhat minimal.

@jhz563 posted:

Latest mth auction goodies have arrived!

I love 2816 tinplate hoppers, and I wanted to get one of the unpainted ones from the auction to customize. But now that I have it, I think I may leave it raw just for unique look.  Here it is photoed with a black 2816.  Several of the mth hoppers did not have side placards and both these represent that style.

The hopper came as a package deal with this reefer/auto car.  Since the lid comes off easy I am a bit more confident about painting this one.

What to paint it as I have no idea - so feel free to make suggestions 🙂.

Nice find.  Tough choices.  I'm not big into rarity, but in their current state you have two unique items.

I like the idea of doing the refrigerator car in an asymmetrical scheme - in fact, you could even do something completely different on each side.  Nobody can see both sides at the same time, and you could have two cars for the price of one.

Another option is to find some inexpensive junkers and repaint them to your heart's content.

@Mallard4468 posted:

Nice find.  Tough choices.  I'm not big into rarity, but in their current state you have two unique items.

I like the idea of doing the refrigerator car in an asymmetrical scheme - in fact, you could even do something completely different on each side.  Nobody can see both sides at the same time, and you could have two cars for the price of one.

Another option is to find some inexpensive junkers and repaint them to your heart's content.

I do have a junker original lionel 2816 that I bought with the intention of a repaint.  I think with my collection of mth hopper schemes leaving it as is, or maybe a clear coat only is how it will stay. 

Either way this won't happen for a while - I need to get ready for my Halloween display!

Mallard4468 does have a good point.  Since both of the cars are unique or close to it just leaving them as is might be the better option particularly if you have junkers you can strip and repaint.

Jhz:  great items. Since you plan to run this auto/box with the coal hoppers I would think about decorating the box car with some RR or Product identifiable with a coal region. Virginia and Virginian RR for example.

Regards

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Jhz:  great items. Since you plan to run this auto/box with the coal hoppers I would think about decorating the box car with some RR or Product identifiable with a coal region. Virginia and Virginian RR for example.

Regards

Don

I don't know if I want to run the box car at all.  Honestly it was a package deal with the hopper.  It's either a paint project or maybe even a for sale item.  If anybody here really has to have the box car just speak up.

Hi folks, I purchased what I think is a neat item recently and it just came in the mail today.  I hope that some of our readers in this thread will take a look and give me their opinion as to who made this item.  It is a sheet metal clockwork locomotive, reasonably small about 6" from the back of the cab to the tip of the cow catcher.  It is definitely  0 gauge as its pictured on Lionel 3 rail track.  The seller had it listed in the "Marx" trains for sale, but I recognized that it was not Marx (at least I didn't think so and still don't).  When it arrived I checked it against my Gerard Model Works Joy Line sheet metal locos thinking they were the closest "sort of Marx" things I had and this loco is clearly not Joy Line.  Anyway it is a bell ringer, has a mechanical brake to the motor for winding ease, and has a battery powered headlight.  So it seems like it was a mid-quality locomotive when new.   So here are some pictures...comments and opinions are welcome.

Here is the side view and the spoke drive wheels as opposed to simple stamped wheels gave me an indication that the maker could be Hafner.  I checked the TCA Western Division fly sheet on and it did seem he made locomotives with this type wheel but the picture is so small that its hard to be definitive.  The key is fixed into the motor.

Here is a front quarter view, showing the red boiler front.  I believe this to be original, as it currently shows no signs of being painted but has the original red enameled finish and the tabs holding it do not appear to have been opened.

The front pilot view, quite elaborate with climbing steps to the running board and hand rails along the boiler.  Two domes and the stack and bell appear to be add on items.

The rear cab view, the "T" handle is the motor brake and you can see the bell and ringer under the cab floor just above the track.  The cab also contains a spring metal clip that provides the rear battery connector to turn on the headlight.  The separately added stirrup cab steps are also very different from Joy Line that simply had steps embossed in the stamping under the cab windows.  Its clear that originally the engine was shiny black.  The rust is just smooth surface rust and in fact the patina I find pleasing.  It does not appear to have caused any structural damage.  The motor and "ringer" work fine as does the brake.

So there you are tinplate fans.  My current guess is Hafner from about the 1920's but I am absolutely open to other suggestions and would welcome input.  Thanks

Best Wishes

Don

@Don McErlean posted:

Hi folks, I purchased what I think is a neat item recently and it just came in the mail today.  I hope that some of our readers in this thread will take a look and give me their opinion as to who made this item.  It is a sheet metal clockwork locomotive, reasonably small about 6" from the back of the cab to the tip of the cow catcher.  It is definitely  0 gauge as its pictured on Lionel 3 rail track.  The seller had it listed in the "Marx" trains for sale, but I recognized that it was not Marx (at least I didn't think so and still don't).  When it arrived I checked it against my Gerard Model Works Joy Line sheet metal locos thinking they were the closest "sort of Marx" things I had and this loco is clearly not Joy Line.  Anyway it is a bell ringer, has a mechanical brake to the motor for winding ease, and has a battery powered headlight.  So it seems like it was a mid-quality locomotive when new.   So here are some pictures...comments and opinions are welcome.

Here is the side view and the spoke drive wheels as opposed to simple stamped wheels gave me an indication that the maker could be Hafner.  I checked the TCA Western Division fly sheet on and it did seem he made locomotives with this type wheel but the picture is so small that its hard to be definitive.  The key is fixed into the motor.

Here is a front quarter view, showing the red boiler front.  I believe this to be original, as it currently shows no signs of being painted but has the original red enameled finish and the tabs holding it do not appear to have been opened.

The front pilot view, quite elaborate with climbing steps to the running board and hand rails along the boiler.  Two domes and the stack and bell appear to be add on items.

The rear cab view, the "T" handle is the motor brake and you can see the bell and ringer under the cab floor just above the track.  The cab also contains a spring metal clip that provides the rear battery connector to turn on the headlight.  The separately added stirrup cab steps are also very different from Joy Line that simply had steps embossed in the stamping under the cab windows.  Its clear that originally the engine was shiny black.  The rust is just smooth surface rust and in fact the patina I find pleasing.  It does not appear to have caused any structural damage.  The motor and "ringer" work fine as does the brake.

So there you are tinplate fans.  My current guess is Hafner from about the 1920's but I am absolutely open to other suggestions and would welcome input.  Thanks

Best Wishes

Don

Hafner 1100, common to the Century of Progress sets, 1933-35

Steve

Arnold, That is a 165 magnet crane.

Yep 100% Hafner in my eyes Don @Don McErlean 

Its almost as "patina'd" as mine !

I do have a nicer one tho

Fatman and Steve. Thanks for the input appreciate your comments and expertise

Don

Here is an unusual item, one of the few Lionel items in my collection.

I thought I had posted photos of this a couple of years ago, when I acquired it, but a search for it on this site resulted in no results.

At first glance, it seems like a typical Lionel prewar signal...

The bottom is stamped #069...

However, what sets it apart from the countless other #069 signals, is the plate on the top of the base...

The plate reads

"Courtesy of

CRERAR, ADAMS & CO

Chicago"

A Google search for "Crerar, Adams & Co" indicates that it was a railroad equipment manufacturer. 

This item appears to be some sort of promotional item, but I have no idea of when or why Crerar, Adams & Co had these items produced.  I have seen a photo of at least one other of these signals with this unusual plate on it. 

NWL

Fantastic Find NWL .. I always like items with some backstory to them !

No great backstory to my addition to the collection this week , unless you count having had a full set of passenger carriages for the last 4 years or so , waiting for the loco to come along ...

These babies ...

Well coming home to provide some motive power is a boxed freight set ...

Sakai ( Japan) early to mid fifties ... quite a happy chappy !

Pass Carriages are tinplate trucks , but looking at the photos of the Freight set , it appears to have cast versions , I have heard that makes them less common , any Sakai aficionados feel free to confirm or deny ?

I'm guessing there's more than one choice when it comes to an engine to pull those blue beauties - here's one version

A interesting find this week, a Bing automatic mail car No M 1367, made 1906-1912.

Arne

Arne - the "Mail Delivery" set is just amazing.  What a find!

Don