Freerails > Model Railroad Forums > Traction & Electrified Railroads > Looking For Any Trolley Postcard Collectors |
Freerails > Model Railroad Forums > Traction & Electrified Railroads > Looking For Any Trolley Postcard Collectors |
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David Laughery Registered 
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Hello, Besides modeling traction in half inch scale, I collect postcards showing streetcars. In almost thirty years of collecting, I have never met anyone else who does this too. There must be others, as I see postcards on E-bay offered. Anyone here collect? I have hundreds of duplicate cards I'd love to trade. Please contact me if you are a fellow collector. Thanks! Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered 
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Dave, I'm by no means a collector of postcards but I have picked up a few postcards of the Virginia & Truckee. I'm more into narrow gauge and really haven't seen much postcards except for the D&RGW. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, a lot of postcards show up at train shows or in antique malls, but never any cards showing trolleys. It is strange that there are many trolley cards offered on E-bay, some going for quite an amount. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Dave, I'll have to pay more attention to the collectables tables at the next train show, and see what I can find. I've always had a thing for the Pacific Electric, and even had a small HO trolley layout with operating overhead, many many years ago. I have quite a few books on the PE stashed away. The OERM in Perris has a very nice collections of electrics. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, I've been modeling trolleys since I was in Jr. High School in N, HO, and lately large scale (1/2" scale). My main interest is the local transit system that operated in Hershey, PA. Some of my models of their cars are in the Hershey Historical Society. I was always going to build that large trolley system running on live overhead, but Gn15 sidetracked me. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Hi, I am still looking for anyone who collects postcards with trolleys. Thanks, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Still looking for a fellow postcard collector. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Still looking. Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Working on it Dave. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Michael. There must be collectors, as I see a lot of trolley cards on Ebay. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Is there a preferred way of protecting postcards? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I keep mine in acid free plastic pages sized just for postcards. I categorize into four wheel trolleys, PCCs, work cars, open cars, etc., and such. I also keep and album of duplicates to SOMEDAY trade with a fellow collector. Sorry to say that trolleys are such a thing of the past, there is little interest in them, except for us old guys. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave Surely mostly those who have memories of their own are interested in trolleys... We here in Europe have a few streetcar systems that were in full operation all the time, so we still may watch them. Alas, there never were many models available... Most guys want to have REAL TRAINS, and not a little car which lonely trundles along city streets. Lack of streetcar tracks didn't help either. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold We have modern LRV systems here. My reference was to the trolleys and interurbans of years ago, which are the memories of my older generation. I rode the Philadelphia streetcars as a very young child, and built my first trolley layout when I was ten years old (65 years ago). I love trolleys, models of them, and books about them. Thanks for posting on this thread. Regards, Dave L. PS - I do have some cards of Austrian trolleys. |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave Same with me. When I was a boy, we still rode creaking wood bodied single truckers, often two and three car trains.... Then came the Duewag types that resemble PCCs.... They are phased out now, and are replaced by Ultra Low Floor coaches. Effective but butt ugly. |
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Michael M Registered
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David First electric postcard.  Ordered some of those plastic sleeves. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Great! Now you have another hobby within a hobby. Are you just doing CA lines or trolley cards in general? Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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I think I'll stick with mostly California, or at least try and keep it restricted to the western US. That is... until I find something really interesting. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael, is your collection now just the one card? Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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I have a few other postcards of Death Valley and the Virginia & Truckee Railroad. I'm sure I have other postcards tucked away somewhere from past vacations. Somewhere? Where? |
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David Laughery Registered
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We always bought postcards on our vacations and have albums full. Makes a record of great memories. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Now I have a side hobby.  Is there a good way to date postcards? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael, I can't help you with that. If there is a stamp a date might be possible from the postmark. Most cards in my collection were never sent. Clues from items on the card like autos or clothing styles might help. Also, the type of card can date it. Google the history of post cards for info on this. Have fun with your NEW hobby. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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 I've added a few more postcards to my collection. |
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David Laughery Registered
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We all need more hobbies!  Regards, Dave L. |
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pipopak Moderator
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We all need more hobbies! ... and self-expanding homes. Jose. |
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Michael M Registered
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 While searching for postcards I came across one on an ostrich farm. Cawston's Ostrich Farm had a couple of locations around the Los Angeles area, including South Pasadena locating near the Pacific Electric. Judging from the postage of one cent and the printing, this looks to be around the 1910-1920s. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael That is an interesting card, especially if it's local or close by. Of the many trolley cards in my collection, I have only one that shows a local trolley. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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It's interesting to see what people did over 100 years ago. There wasn't much entertainment back then other than listening to the radio or going to see a "flicker" (movie). Ostrich farms, alligator farms and such were a precursor to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm. |
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Michael M Registered
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 Quite by accident I ran across a brochure on Death Valley dated 1947. Oh, good. Now, besides postcards I can look for brochures and timetables. |
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David Laughery Registered
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No seatbelts on those cars, I bet.  Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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No shade and no seat belts. About as basic as you can get. Take a couple of benches, and bolt them to the deck of a flatcar. Voila! Passenger service. |
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Michael M Registered
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While looking for postcards I've stumbled across other collectables. Not trolley, and not a postcard, but still an interesting item to add to my collection.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Recently acquired another trolley postcard of San Francisco Muni.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Okay, this isn't a postcard, but one thing leads to another. Postcards to timetables, and timetables to brochures. This is from 1957... Over 60 years old. For those of us that model a particular time period and location, postcards and other material can help us to tie into the era.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael, I like that card of the trolley. The views of cars are what I especially look for. Keep looking! Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I was able to add a new card to the collection. Still looking for anyone who collects postcards with trolleys depicted. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Not postcard related but here is a book on the Central California Traction Company: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=3566949436666719&set=gm.2603506216536853 Ordered my copy today. |
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Nice Guy Eddie Administrator 
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The link to Zuckerberg's mind-numbing advertising & spy-ware site, doesn't work  Eddie |
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Michael M Registered
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Not surprised. Okay, try this link: https://www.ronsbooks.com/CENTRAL-CALIFORNIA-TRACTION_p_17222.html On Facebook there is a group page for the Central California Traction Company. You can order the book directly from Dave Stanley for $40 plus $6 postage. |
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Michael M Registered
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Picked up two more trolley postcards:   |
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Michael M Registered
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Just got another trolley postcard:  Key System 271. |
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Si. Moderator 
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Spotted on eBay ... A fair ol' selection of Trolley Books ! Including ... ' Here comes the TROLLEY ! '  "Including a complete account of the terrifying tragedy at ... " DAMN ! the last bit is cut off the photo of the book !  Probably Mrs. Smiths cat got creamed ... ... as the trolley accelerated to its TERRIFYING top speed of 5mph !  Si. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Si. Is there much interest in American trolleys over there? I have a few English books on "Trams" and many postcards showing them. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Here is an interesting postcard.  An electric car moved with a little gas switcher. For those that want to run a trolley without hanging wire, here's a way to do it. |
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Si. Moderator
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" Is there much interest in American trolleys over there ? " Hi Dave  I can't say I've ever been stampeded by U.S. trolley fanatics, at a Brit. train show !  But ... Having said that ... ... I bet if you rounded up all the U.S. trolley fans here, you'd need a lot o' hamburgers !   The humble 'Bachmann' trolley, beloved of so many On30 BASHers over The Pond ... ... as well as streetcar luvers  no doubt, can cost you BIG $$$ ones in Brit. coin ! Of course we have our own Cult Cars, like the legendary Underground Ernie ! ...  ... once good for a budget On30 BASH, or trolley project, now as rare as hens teeth !!  - - - - - - - " I have a few English books on "Trams" and many postcards showing them " There is always a whole lotta luv, for the vintage Brit. "Trams" here at shows.  I will always remember a great outfit, I think called 'T.L.R.S. Trams' ? at shows, as a kid. Large Scale "Trams" & r e a l l y l o n g l a y o u t depicting a busy 'golden era' street.  Scratchbuilt 'lecy-poles throwing a few SPARKS as they ran on the balcony at Gravesend. An ol' train club friend of mine, Brian, continually said London Transport should bring 'em back ! Of course everyone said, yeah right Brian ... ... you seen the Pink Floyd LP cover, of the huge pig over Battersea Power Station ?  You'll never guess what London Transport built near me, to ease traffic problems in Croydon . . . !  Si. From Google Images ...  I think they've only managed to kill 7, and seriously injure around 70 so far ... ... not by 'street running', but a car-set overturning at SPEED on a sharp curve ! I imagine, that the automobile death-toll in Croydon, is in the 100s though ! |
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2foot6 Registered 
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Melbourne in Australia kept their trams in the '60s, when Sydney and Brisbane removed them. Melbourne has extended the network considerably over the years, and now Sydney has re introduced light rail (trams). Gold Coast in Queensland and Canberra, have introduced the light rail networks. Melbourne trams during a bit of rain.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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An old Melbourne tram refurbished, to run under more modern rules and regulations (safety and electrical wise). There are a quite a few of these running on the network for historical reasons, and the Melbournians love of the tramway system.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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The modern tram in Melbourne.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Love those trolleys (trams) !!! Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I managed to add another card to my collection. Still looking to find another collector of post cards, to do some trading. I have fond memories of riding the trams at Blackpool, and the Seaton line trams. (I do have postcards of both!) Regards, Dave  |
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David Laughery Registered
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David Laughery Registered
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Nice Guy Eddie Administrator
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 From my 'Digital Collection'  Eddie |
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David Laughery Registered
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 Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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The big bi-annual trolley meet, has been announced for this year. I can't make it. But they are always great fun if you are into trolleys (trams) and live close enough to attend. Regards, Dave L. http://www.eastpenn.org/meet/ |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today I was able to spend some time looking through my trolley postcards. I am trying to figure a way to organize them, to make it easier to determine if a card is already in my collection. Presently they are organized into categories of open cars, four wheel cars, PCCs, present LRVs, work and freight motors, and general two truck cars.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Lately, I've started to incorporate cards showing trolleys in scenes (cities and rural settings).  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The category that is most challenging is the general, two truck trolleys section, how to organize it to quickly see if I have a specific card. I've thought of doing it by traction company, car color, and general locale or area of the country. I welcome suggestions. Thanks, and Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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My postcard collection is on the small side, but I'm already seeing the problem in keeping things organized. Not just with trolley postcards, as I have picked up postcards on Death Valley, and even a few of Baker (on the I15 between Las Vegas and Los Angeles). Keeping the trolley postcards grouped by traction company, or by area or subject with the others, seems to work best for me. If the trolley postcard is from a museum, do you group it with other museum cards or by company name? What about something like the Central California Traction? It started as an electric line and was eventually dieselized. Is it a trolley line or a short line? I'm not sure there is a perfect system. But, if someone comes up with one I want to hear about it. |
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2foot6 Registered
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I have the same problem with my timber tramway postcards, and photos adding up to over 1800. I have been dividing them into areas, then into the company name. In the case of a company having several lines, I would break them down into the commonly known name of the line, east branch, west branch etc. or gauge. It works for me, but everyone has different needs and methods. ................Peter. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I am still pondering how to do the organizing, to make it easier to see if a postcard is in my collection. Some cards have more than one car displayed, so my rule that the foremost car is the category. Another problem's how do I put (Actually have them together for now). horse cars, trolley buses, and cable cars into sections. Yesterday I bought a card on Ebay, only today to find I already had it, despite looking through the album twice. Ouch! Good luck with your collection. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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It's not just organizing postcards. Along the way I've picked up some timetables and brochures. One little problem I seem to have is having to remind myself, that something from the '70s or '80s is actually getting on the old side, being from 40 to 50 years old. I got a Santa Fe timetable from 1965, because it reminded me of a trip I took with my parents to Chicago. I also got a Southern Pacific timetable for 1954. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Hey Michael You better be careful. Or soon you'll be collecting old R.R. keys, lanterns, spikes, and 300 pound sections of rail, and buckets of grimy gravel !!  Regards, Dave L |
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Michael M Registered
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My wife already has fits over my "collection" of trains (N, HO, On30, G, Lionel, and 1:35n2) plus numerous books. I do have a few spikes and tie plates laying around out in the backyard. Plus a foot section of light rail (maybe 35#). I have boxes of stuff out in the garage, that probably haven't seen the light of day in over 15 years or more. |
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2foot6 Registered
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Michael Sounds like you are like most of the model railroaders I know. When you have a fully fitted out station building, 15 operating semaphore signals, an operating 22 lever signal frame, and boom gates in the yard like a person I know, then you have gone too far. That person is not me. ........Peter. |
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Michael M Registered
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Peter, That person may not be you... yet. Or, even me... yet. But, there's always a tomorrow. Till then we can always dream. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Careful, guys Those three hundred pound rail sections can really add up. I knew someone who really had a few (not me ).  Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have started to go through my postcards, and am sorting by road name presently. The Connecticut line is my starting point. The NYC and Philadelphia lines, will have their category, as well. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am starting with the Connecticut system, and found a duplicate card. So I think the system is working so far. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Sometimes it is easy, when there are cards of the same trolley, as in this example. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is the reason, for my trying for a better way of organizing my trolley cards. I was excited to see a Hershey Transit Cuba card offered on Ebay, and I was pretty sure I didn't have it in the album. Well, as you can see, I did have it, so now I have another card to put in the duplicate cards album. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I continue to find ways to organize my collection. A new sub-category, was to collect all the cards made from black and white photos...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've made a category of urban and rural cards, with scenes that include a trolley. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Another page of cards with "trolley scenes". Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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It will be a while before organizing my postcards becomes an issue. My collection just isn't that big. I do have duplicates of the Rhyolite railroad station, but that's only because the seller made me a deal. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Although not a trolley, this train I rode as a kid in Hershey Park was electrically powered. It has been partially restored by the Hershey Historical Society, and in storage presently. It took power from a center covered rail. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I really liked this combine, and decided to model it in 1:24 (half inch scale) for a someday traction layout. I never built that layout, and I still have the card and model.  Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The model just after completion years ago. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Dave, Why does that car remind me of HLW? How tight a radius will it take? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I was able to run it on the LGB small radius track. It is powered by a Super Magic Carpet motor unit, that once was available from 'Northwest Short Line' company. It ran, but really needed a second unit on the other truck. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I built this little freight motor for that someday layout.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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My work car, in half inch 1:24 scale. I used LGB passenger car trucks (later the Bachmann trucks were similar) because one could equip them for electrical pickup. Regards, Dave L.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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VERY NICE WORK ........Peter |
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Michael M Registered
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Is there a layout in the planning stages ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thank you, Peter. Michael There is no traction layout in my future. Confined to my wheelchair makes any project like that impossible, although I have a big folder of trolley layout plans that would be fun to build. Now my postcard collecting keeps me busy. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I had a few of the Bachmann trolleys that I repainted. Here is one of their open cars.  Thanks for looking. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I grew up in Philadelphia in the late forties, and remember riding the trolleys on occasion. This card is post-marked 1921, so it is before my time, but I remember the scene twenty years later. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have a few cards showing trolley buses in the collection. Not a bus and not a trolley, they are interesting, though. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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How do you categorize a card that has more than one subject? I decided that the car in the foreground would be the the determiner. This card is in the four wheel, open car section. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have always been fascinated by funeral cars, most large systems had them. Notice the large doors to accommodate the casket at the right end of the car. Family and friends rode with the deceased out to the cemetery. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Snow sweepers, and work and maintenance cars, often show up on postcards. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I had intended my flat motor to be a crane car, but never got to it. I had collected plans to use. This is an interesting version of a trolley crane car. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Trolley lines often ran their service to amusement parks. In nearby Hershey, PA, Hershey Transit ran often to the Hershey Park. This is the only card I have showing a park, it is not in Hershey, though. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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My interest in trolleys started back in the 1950s with a Mantua four wheel trolley. My first layout was a small, multi-level trolley layout. I was about ten and built the layout with a hand saw and hammer. Over the years I added more trolleys, even though I didn't have a layout. Eventually I built models in half inch scale, but I still have some of the HO trolleys tucked away.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Along the way I started to pick up used Bachmann Brill trolleys at shows. My intent was to model the Brill cars of Hershey's system. I never got to it, but the cars are still tucked away. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thinking of projects that never came about. I really like this little work car, and intended to build one someday in 1:24 Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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As I recall those Bachmann Brills handled a tight radius like 9" I had a small trolley layout that was 2'x4' many years ago. Even had live overhead. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I remember I cut out a little of the plastic under-frame, to enable those trolleys to run on ridiculously tight curves. I never got to trying live overhead. Regards, Dave L. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator 
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Hi Dave Do trolley (tram) photos count?? Over the years I have collected an avalanche of them, but few if any post cards. Probably enough to point you at a few places, where there might be current postcards? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, John. Other than photos of the Hershey Transit cars, I don't have any photos in the collection. I have numerous books on trolleys, and have collected a whole notebook of plans and drawings of trolleys. Right now my only source for cards is Ebay, I am amazed at some of the asking prices for cards, too. I have a small budget for adding any new cards and seek the inexpensive ones. Since I have many duplicates to trade, I am always looking for others who might have duplicates and want to trade. Thanks for adding a post to this thread. Any sources you suggest would be appreciated. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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The trolley collection led to related cards, so any electrically powered locomotive is included. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I built two models of Hershey Transit cars for a museum display years ago. These were built of bass wood and pine, and were static models...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Both models were half-inch 1:24 scale.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The display was in the Hershey Museum for a few years. The cars were eventually sold to a private collector of Hershey memorabilia, whereabouts is unknown today. Thanks for looking. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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It seems that trolleys on bridges was a favorite subject for the postcard makers...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Another example. I must have a dozen cards with trolleys on bridges or trestles. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Some early cards had room for the message on the front, below the image. The other side was for the addressee. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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These cards are interesting, in that they are different cards, of the same car, in the same location. At first I thought I had duplicates, until I took a closer look. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Often as part of the agreement a trolley system had with the town, was to wet down the summer dust on the streets. Traction companies had special sprinkler cars to do this, and they varied in size and design. I have long searched for a card with a sprinkler car, but I have never seen one. Snow sweepers and plows are rather common on my cards. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Some time along the line, post card size increased to 4x6 inches. I have been caught unawares, in that what I though was a vintage card, was reproduced in the larger size. Some sellers kindly give the size in their offerings, but some do not. Plastic card pages are available for both sizes. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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One advantage of the older cards, is that one can display eight cards in a page. Contrasted with a page for the larger cards, that can only hold four. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Over the years I have collected hundreds of plans and drawings of trolleys, often with the intent to model a few for the large scale layout. Those not in books are put in protection pages, and added to the notebooks. Here is a plan for a sprinkler car. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I always liked to enlarge a possible project to an actual 1:24 (half inch scale) plan. I did this on a copier that allowed this. It did involve cutting and pasting sections together to get that final, working plan. I did actually build a model from this plan. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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A friend snapped a photo of the model made with that plan. It is Hershey Transit's scheme. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Before I built BIG models of trolleys, I built LITTLE models of trolleys. This is a kit-bashed model in N-scale.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I don't remember the source of the motor unit. I needed to do a little more fitting when these photos were taken. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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I haven't come across any water cars, but now I'll keep an eye open for them. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Michael. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here's a photo of the 1:24 car ready for paint. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Today a new card arrived. I guess I am partial to trolleys on trestles and bridges postcards. I had intended to model a scene like this on my large scale trolley layout, but it never happened. I know of a similar card showing a NJ trolley. (I was outbid by 25 cents on Ebay)  Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Don't you just hate being outbid by two bits? I've seen some cards I would really like to get, but the prices are hard to swallow. $5 or much more for some cards. |
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Nice Guy Eddie Administrator
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I saw a 1960s Joe Meek produced 7" 45rpm single Sold the other day by eBay auction $600 ! Eddie |
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David Laughery Registered
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I wonder if any postcards with a $20 (or higher) price really sell. I am really dismayed when I pay $2-$4 for shipping, and the card arrives in an envelope and a single stamp on it. Some sellers are good and charge 60 cents to mail me a card. OK. I could see a dollar to cover the stamp and envelope. I have discontinued buying cards with high shipping. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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An excellent article on modular trolley layout design, got me to seriously think about a large scale trolley layout. The article included modules, that could connect different ways, into a pretty impressive traction layout.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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When we built our house, I had set aside a 16x16 space in the basement, for a "train/workshop" area. I doodled a possible module arrangement for the space.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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One end would be a seaside, commercial district, with a pier and shops and businesses. I had a list of possible choices. I had started working on a "Fire Trolley", and thought a small structure on fire, would an interesting scene. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The designs went through changes over time.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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An amusement pier, with a penny arcade and merry-go-round, was an idea. It had to be reached by a trolley ride over a long trestle, of course.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Somewhere in that trestle, a swing bridge to accommodate vessels. I had never seen one for trolleys, but it could happen, right ?  |
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David Laughery Registered
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My layout would have boats, trolleys, and airplanes. Some folks would fly in for a weekend of fun, and need to get to the action, by trolley, of course. The trolley line went out to the airfield now and then, to pick up those folks. Corners would be hard to fill. I placed a small fisherman's shack for a trolley stop. Sadly, I never built this layout, but it would have been a lot of fun, for sure. Thanks for following along. Regards, Dave L.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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I don't have a lot of nearby Hershey postcards, but this one of downtown happens to have a trolley in it. I'm partial to the town, because I taught forty years in the school system.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The original factory building is gone now. But when the wind was right we could smell chocolate in my classroom, coming from the building's direction. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here are some N scale cars I found at a train show years ago. I never have motorized them. They are nicely painted for the Connecticut system. Regards, Dave L.     |
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2foot6 Registered
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" Here are some N scale cars I found at a train show years ago. I never have motorized them " David There's a nice little project for you to finish by the end of the year. .........Peter. |
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David Laughery Registered
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OK. I'll add it to my long list of someday projects. Regards, Dave L. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi Dave, While hunting through my Gallery on here looking for something else (as usual) I came across some tram photos - They're not postcards but enjoy some trams in central Zurich in 2018. Here's the main tram interchange.  Trams come in from all directions and you are likely to see the following:   and  Last edited on Wed Jul 21st, 2021 03:30 pm by oztrainz |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, John, for those neat photos. There are some very nice modern trams available in N scale, made by Kato. I have to admit, I am thinking about a very small tram layout in N for here in the office. I love the rails in the pavement in those photos. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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A little tram layout for here in the den would be a lot of fun, and I would need to finish this little N scale car. It is a shortened Bachmann shell. I would need to source a four wheel power unit and decide on a suitable livery (paint scheme). It was my last N scale project before going Gn15. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have this 22x36 inch board that would make a base for an interesting little trolley layout. I'll have my son dig out some N scale track supplies to see what's possible. Regards, Dave L.  |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi David, Do you know about this from Kato - https://www.katousa.com/N/Unitrack/UNITRAM.html As for mechs. for your tram have a look at - https://www.katomodels.com/product/n/chibiloco Watch the band at the foot of the page, and check out the PDFs at the top of the page. Chassis part #'s are 11-108, 11-109 and 11-110. Another forum reports these as being available through - http://www.plazajapan.com Good hunting. |
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David Laughery Registered
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John I am familiar with Kato's fantastic tram track and mechanisms. I am trying really hard not to get out the credit card, and spend a small fortune. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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In my collection I have included locomotives that run from overhead. This locomotive card is special to me, as I rode from Harrisburg to Philadelphia and back, in the cab of one. Not this particular engine, but one like it, #934 Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I had a chance to ride this car in Lowell, Mass. years ago, and had to buy this card. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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This car is in a trolley museum in Maine, where I rode it (more than once). Their gift shop had a whole wall of trolley postcards for sale. I added a lot of cards to the collection that day. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I remember the PCC cars in Philadelphia. This card caught these SEPTA cars on a snowy day. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Most cards that I am adding to the collection, show trolleys in urban settings, such as this card. Trolleys downtown seemed to be a favorite subject.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Card producers still find downtown trolleys a good subject.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Which one would you like to take a ride in? Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have been collecting postcards showing trolleys for over thirty years and have been checking the usual places like Amazon and eBay just about every day for new offers. It seems like there are the usual, and common, offerings all the time. Looking through my albums today I thought that there are some cards I never see for sale. I thought I would share some of what I consider to be these "rare" cards. Regards, Dave L.  Last edited on Tue Jul 27th, 2021 08:28 pm by David Laughery |
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David Laughery Registered
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David Laughery Registered
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I just added this to the collection thanks to Michael in CA.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Before eBay foreign cards were only available while visiting abroad. Regards, Dave L.  |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi David, Speaking of abroad, while not postcards, try these 3 photos from the National Tramway Museum at Crich in the UK.   and  Photos were from 2018. We just happened to be there for the 100th birthday of a tram from Prague. A lot more stuff was running that day than usually is out on display or running. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Great photos, John. I have always wondered where the center of gravity is in a double-decker, and if all the patrons on the upper deck were to shift to one side, would the car topple over ? Again, thanks for adding these great photos. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is a card that I have never seen for sale. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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It must have been quite a ride in Montreal's first trolley, to give it the name "Rocket." Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I always liked this little work car, and based on this photo decided to build something similar.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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This was as far as I got on this project. The parts are in storage. Regards, Dave L.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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Great looking model David, it would be great to see some finished pics of it. ..............Peter |
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David Laughery Registered
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Peter I never finished the model. I am sad that I never built that large scale traction layout. There used to be a Yahoo Large Scale Trolley group, maybe there still is ? That was fun to be in, some of the members had nice layouts. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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For me the biggest problem, was the motoring of my large scale trolleys. 'Northwest Shortline' (NWSL) developed the Super Magic Carpet Drive, that nicely fit into an LGB passenger truck. Using the LGB electrical pick-up kit and a metal wheelset, combined with the NWSL Super Magic Carpet Drive, gave us a nice motorized truck, for under our large scale cars.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The downside of the neat little units was the price, and I was only able to own one of them. My large scale combine needed a second truck unit, as the one only barely powered the model. I Googled to find that Walthers had offered them for $75, but now are not available, which is a shame. For the record the Walthers number is 243-19. I sent an e-mail to NWSL, to inquire if they will ever produce them again.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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David We have a manufacturer here in Australia of motor drive units. Google ... Steam Era Models ... They have dual (BEETLE) and single axle (BUG) drive units, that may help you out with this project and others. .............Peter |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks. I checked their info, and unless I missed one for large scale, the largest unit I saw was for O-scale. They look like nice power units. Regards, Dave L. http://www.steameramodels.com/bbeetle.htm |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is my Super Magic Carpet Drive, in an LGB passenger car truck. I used the LGB power pickup, and fashioned a bracket to connect it all. You can just see a spring loaded plunger, rubbing the front metal wheelset. The LGB truck was designed to accept the plunger assembly, it made it easy to get power to the Super Magic Carpet Drive.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is the truck on my combine. As I recall, you could get a matching size drive unit and wheelset, in the same diameter as the plastic LGB wheels, so the model sat level. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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NWSL kindly answered back to say, they have no plans to produce the Super Magic Carpet Drives.  Dave L. |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi Dave, I'll echo Peters previous message about Steam Era Models. See - http://steameramodels.com/bbeetle.htm While the page in the link doesn't show it, "special orders" can be made on request. While most of the Black Beetles are made for 16.5mm tracks, some time ago I organised a 1" gauge "special order" for another modeller. I'd suggest contacting the owner by email, to see if he can assist. If you do decide to go ahead, the price list is in Aussie dollars. http://steameramodels.com/Documents/Steam%20Era%20Price%20list%202020.pdf Take abut 30% off for US dollar equivalence. The Aussie price also includes 10% GST Federal tax. For export orders outside Australia this comes off, and will probably go close to covering your postage costs. For a Black Bug approach (single axle drive) you could probably carry the motor/gearbox combo on the bogie frame. It might be short enough to pass under the bogie pivot if it needs to. Just remember this in the item description: "It is relatively lightly constructed, with 2mm diameter axles, and is intended for railmotors, hauling one or two trailers or multiple units. The weight on the centre pivot should not exceed about 100g (~3.5oz.)" With extended axles that will be unsupported beyond the bogie frame, to run on LGB tracks, keep your tram's weight down if you can. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, John. I think powering any of my models, is not very practical for me right now. Health issues prevent any kind of layout, or the need to power any models for one. I do thank you and Peter for providing the info. That might just help someone reading this, and wondering how to power a model. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Postcards produced from actual photographs are a favorite of mine. Full color cards are nice, but the information in a vintage, black and white card can be priceless, if one is trying to model a particular period in time. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Clothing styles, auto details, signs and other details on structures, all can be captured on a vintage card. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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An actual photograph can make the modeling of a specific prototype easier. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Yep, half inch scale trolleys are big. Regards, Dave L.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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The pic. puts your modeling and scale into perspective for me, bigger than what I was thinking of. .................Peter. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Should anyone have an interest in trolleys on postcards, I recommend this great book by Ray Applegate. It gives a short history of postcards, and then shows reproductions of historic cards by state and locality. It is interesting that the history of trolleys and postcards, evolved along parallel timelines. In 1898 the US Government OKed private printing of postcards, by 1902 cards were all the craze in the US. Before March 1, 1907 one side of the card was for addressee only, and messages had to be written on the photo side of the card. Early cards had a small space at the bottom or side for the sender's greeting. I found used copies of the book available on Amazon and eBay. Regards, Dave L.  Last edited on Thu Aug 5th, 2021 02:34 am by David Laughery |
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David Laughery Registered
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This card is post marked 1905, before one could write on the back. There is a lot of space for writing on this card, compared to some in my collection. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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In the 1930s the "Linen" style postcard made an appearance. Often an artist's rendition and lacking the detail, they can have the white border at the edges.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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By the 1940s the Linen cards were replaced with "Chrome" postcards. Often the basis was a photograph.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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In the 1970s a new, larger size 4x6 inches card appeared in Europe, and eventually all postcards today are this "Continental" size, including the USA. In 1978 these cards had increased in cost to $.10, or even $.25 Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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By the 1930s many trolley systems were facing difficult times, due to the depression and antiquated streetcar designs, as well as the automobile. A group, the Presidents' Conference Committee, designed a new streetcar designated the PCC. It was more comfortable and quieter than the older, wooden cars, and was bought by many trolley systems in this country. After WW II the design was accepted world wide. Many are still in use today. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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During the country's Bicentennial, many systems had special paint schemes for their PCCs.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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Some PCCs were painted to quietly blend in with local traffic.  Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am still in the process of refining my card collection, and have put all the cards with trolleys in a scene in one album. I use plastic pages that fit a three ring binder, Ones with "D rings" work better when trying to flip pages quickly. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Another separate album is cards from foreign countries. These are the "Continental" size of 4x6 inches, and each page holds four cards. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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During many years of collecting I have invariably acquired duplicates of many cards. These I keep in a separate album, with the hope of meeting another collector, in the same situation of having duplicates to trade. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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It happened that I actually purchased triplicate cards over the years, and these were put out on our tables at train shows, in this album. I sold a few, but these will go with the Hershey trolley group, to sell as a fund raiser, at the big trolley meet this October in Allentown, PA. They may wish to raise the price, as it seems that cards are in the $4-$8 range on eBay right now. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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It used to bother me when I would run my trolley models off track power, and not have overhead wire above the cars. Later I felt better when I would just say to myself, "Hey, it's a battery car"  Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The collecting of trolley postcards, has led to including a few, related subjects. Although I don't actively look for these, they do come up in lots that I buy. So, I have a few cards with horse cars. Some systems converted from these to electric cars. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Cable cars on cards is a part of the collection. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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A few trolley buses are in the collection.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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This is the only electric monorail card I have. Hey, it does run on electricity. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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Hey Dave, I have a few postcards of San Francisco's cable cars, that I've acquired along the way. They are kind of a trolley car in some ways. I went to college in the Bay Area, and remember riding those cable cars late at night. It got really interesting when a heavy fog would roll in, and you couldn't see 10 feet in front of you. |
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David Laughery Registered
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It is curious how collections can go in many directions. I didn't start out collecting the above subjects, they just seemed to come along. My primary interest is still the cards that depict a singular car. I just acquired this for the collection. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Some trolleys were specialized to carry freight and not people. Many systems had these freight motors. Here is one on a card.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have built a few of these freight motors in half inch scale...  |
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David Laughery Registered
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My models were of Hershey Transit's two freight motors. They ran throughout the Hershey system, to collect milk from the dairy farmers. I did this scene showing a pickup. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The Seashore Trolley Museum in Maine advertises itself, as the first and largest trolley museum in the world. I've been lucky enough to visit it a few times. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Many years ago I corresponded with a gentleman, who was influential in starting my building of large scale trolleys. He was a superb modeler and had authored many articles in the model press. Here is a photo of one of Jim's 1:24 trolleys. Notice that his layout featured hand laid track and overhead wire.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is a photo he sent of his home layout. Notice the roster of cars. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Jim sent this photo of his home made trucks. Sorry it is not so easy to see, but they were standard gauge, and one axle was connected to the other by a sprocket and chain. Since I was using LGB track, I went with the NWSL Super Magic Carpet Drive. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I am lucky that I could take a real trolley ride, within a few hour's drive, here in my part of PA. Trolleys run at the 'East Broad Top' narrow gauge, in Orbisonia, on weekends.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The Baltimore Trolley Museum's website, has a video tour of their shop. Trolley rides are available too, at the museum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXsA-vb_m0k Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've noticed that in my collection, there are only a few cards showing trolleys in winter. (Not counting snowplows) Here is another. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is another card that I have never seen for sale. I wonder where the photo was taken ? Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I really like this car. I would have enjoyed building a model of it. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
https://collection.trolleymuseum.org/browse.php?id=00108FME Portsmouth, Dover & York.... Looks busy with the seperate baggage and RPO compartment. Should be possible to modify a La Belle box motor to this configuration ! |
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2foot6 Registered
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David Your post should read.... I WILL ENJOY BUILDING A MODEL OF IT.... .......Peter. |
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corv8 Registered
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While I am no real postcard collector, I have saved a number of trolley postcards for reference. Will post some as I find them. Today Pics. of Winona cars, first one of two of the distinctive Windsplitters.     |
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David Laughery Registered
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WOW ! Nice cards ! Thanks for sharing. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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On my someday large scale trolley layout, I was going to have a small grove of trees, where my trolleys could snake through and suddenly emerge. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Today some IRR/ UTI cars, first the well known Parlor car:  Next, Muncie terminal - the small brother of the Indianapolis terminal.  Indianapolis and Cincinnati #311 with bow collector !  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I think you are now a postcard collector. Your "collection" has some great cards. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Over the years I have collected hundreds of trolley plans, and have a few that I always had intended to use for model building. This is one of those. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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This is another plan that was to be built as a 1:24 model.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave I have saved ten thousand RR + trolley pics. on my hard drive. I like viewing and organizing them, and it's most interesting to gather a series of a certain type with variants, and how if they are modified (and abused) over the years. Glad you enjoy them. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I just assumed you had these actual cards. I too, save images on my computer, but really enjoy collecting the actual cards. It is really fun when the card had been sent, and has a written greeting on it. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave Living in Austria, it's impractical to purchase cards in the USA. However, sometimes I buy large good quality pictures of rare prototypes (early mallets and prewar diesels) then scan them and put them on Flickr for all to enjoy. Amongst them, one of my favorites - PE #1401, much modified, and the oldest car on the property when retired. https://www.flickr.com/photos/55122337@N06/albums/72157700246203884 |
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David Laughery Registered
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What a neat car. It would be a challenge to model it, but impressive when finished. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave Ed Suydam imported a nice brass model of it. One of the first models in my collection. However due to lack of information, I painted her in the wrong color.... She ended her active life in lowly boxcar red. Same as the famous Electra Steeplecab, preserved in Traveltown (also in wrong color). Apparently PE shop personel, didn't hold them in high regard back then. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I pulled out my copy of Suydam's catalog, but didn't find that model. I did see some wooden box motors #1451-1456. Are your photos part of that type ? I also have a plan for the PE's 1000 series cars. I've not studied the PE, so don't know if the plan is one of the cars in your photos. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave, who did the drawing ? A.E. Barker ? Box motors #1451-1456 are quite different, they were built new as box motors. #1401 + 1402 had a checkered history, they were coaches from a San Francisco interurban. Pacific Electric purchased them when this line folded, and used them to transport workers around the system. Later they were converted to RPOs, and finally became box motors, when there wasn't any more need for mail service. I checked my catalogs too, strangely, I also found the #1401 not mentioned. Have no pic. of my model at hand (I was so angry that I messed up the paint that I never took a pic. of her) but may take a picture tomorrow out on the veranda. This one looks like mine.... Beware, WRONG PAINT ! https://brasstrains.com/Classic/Product/Detail/098606/HO-Brass-Model-Suydam-1401-PE-Pacific-Electric-Golden-Gate-RPO-1401-Pro-Paint-1977-Run-Jonan |
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David Laughery Registered
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Allen J Brewster did the plan of these 1000 Series cars. So what color was the 1401 ? Red seems very unusual for a model. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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#1401 was brown at the end. "Boxcar red" that is in fact brown not red. As an earth based color, the cheapest stuff around ! Here is my "Electra" - I feel on her I got the color right. I sprayed her with automotive primer.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Nicely done ! Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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While I mostly collect American trolley cards, I do have some foreign cards in the collection.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Most of my foreign cards are ones I picked up in the U.K. and Germany. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Dug out some more pics. from my dusty archive.     |
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David Laughery Registered
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I love those four wheel cars above, especially the four wheel baggage car. Thanks for sharing them! Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave Those trolley freight cars have a certain charm... Love them too, in all sizes. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is one of my favorites. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Although a line car, I can see it modeled as a freight trolley. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Maybe it was a freight motor earlier in its life ! My guess is it's from Iowa... But I may be wrong. Do you have any info re those two cars ? I like both. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold Here is the info on the back of the cards. I'll try to include more info when I post photos. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I have mentioned the Hershey Transit Co. in this thread, but I have never come across a post card for one of the cars. Since it is a local system for me, I have collected many photos of some of their cars, and built models, too. HTC ran passenger and freight cars throughout the system.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Friends of the Hershey Trolley, are presently working on the restoration of HTC number seven.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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HTC had two freight motors, mainly to collect milk from area dairy farms.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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One of my favorite little cars of the HTC.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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A final photo of one of HTC's cars. Thanks for looking. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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These cards are of Harrisburg, PA, and are of the same scene. In 1907 the US allowed the writing of the message, on the same side as the addressee. One card has the message on the front in a white space, since it was not allowed on the back.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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The backs of these two cards. One was sent before 1907, and the other would have been sent after that date. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David, Thanks - I most like #5.... |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Gerold. I was going to build a model of #5, using a Bachmann G-scale trolley running gear. I just never got to doing it. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave I have a list of "models to do".... Sometimes I make up my mind and start (and sometimes even finish !) one of this list.... But new ideas are added to the bottom of the list, so it is always 15 weird projects all the time. Trolleys, steam, electrics.... Everything. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold My list was pretty long, too. Now I am happy to share my love of trolley postcards, models, and anything traction, in this Forum. Here is a car that would be a pretty big model in half inch scale.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is the info on this car. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave, Have an etched HO kit (by Paul Meyer) for this car.... Project # xxxx.... |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold Any chance you could spread out that kit and take a photo ? I sure would like to see that. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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In the search for trolley postcards, you're bound to run across other items of interest. I picked up this Santa Fe shipping receipt for a couple of bucks, along with a few other items.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael is right. You never know where this hobby will take you. Here is another favorite trolley card I'd like to share. Info will follow in the next post. Regards, Dave L,  |
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David Laughery Registered
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corv8 Registered
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This car looks somehow "naked" without headlight. However, i guess the "brow" under the front windows, contains lamps which illuminate the front sash, to make the car visible for other traffic. |
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David Laughery Registered
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A perfect scene to combine model vehicles and trolleys ? Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Ahhh... a trolley gas station ! Plenty of trolley diners out there, but who has ever seen a Birney gas station ?  |
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2foot6 Registered
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I think we are very lucky in Melbourne Australia, we kept our tramway system, but all the other capitol cities in Australia removed them in the 1950s & 1960s. We are lucky to have several restaurant cars running on the tracks. You can't just hop on and get a meal, you have to book in advance, and have plenty of cash, but they are there and that's great. ...............Peter Attachment: Restaurant.jpg (Downloaded 52 times) |
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David Laughery Registered
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Peter That is really different. Does one ride while eating, or is the car stationary as a food truck would be ? Regards, Dave L. |
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Ken C Registered 
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Peter 4 visits to Melbourne and never saw a restaurant trolley, will need to look harder next visit. Enjoying looking at various loco and car photos. |
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2foot6 Registered
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David The cars have a set route, and you book to get on at a convenient tram stop, hop on, sit down, and eat whilst travelling the streets. Eventually you get back to where you started, and hop off. Not a cheap meal, but it's an experience you would like to do at least once. My day may come, one day if I win the lottery. .......Peter |
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2foot6 Registered
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Ken I think they mostly run in the evenings, or maybe you were looking the other way when they passed you. ....Peter |
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Ken C Registered
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Peter Running in the evening's would explain why I have not seen them, usually boarding the ferry to Tasmania at that time of day. I will need to make better arrangements next trip. |
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corv8 Registered
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 Dave This popped up today. Not the best card. Neither interurban nor town details are recognizable. Anyway, a glimpse of the long gone past. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I know what you mean. Here is a special card showing a trolley overlooking Mauch Chunk, PA. This town is known as Jim Thorpe, today, and is two hours north of us here. It is a favorite place to visit for our family. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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 Butte Montana. Probably around 1900. |
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David Laughery Registered
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That is an interesting photo. Is it a framed photo ? Looks like it was taken through a screen. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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My latest addition is this great shot of a trolley, used as a promotional card for an Ohio postcard club show in 1985. Admission was a Dollar. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Nice car... Not sure, seems it has a five window end... Otherwise, common only in California. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold, My first thought was that it was a Brill car, but the front was not typical for Brill. I am trying to determine what trucks are on this car. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave, They are some very early Maximum Traction trucks. Have seen them before but don't know any details. They must have given a lousy ride. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold, I can't see enough detail, to ID these trucks. The closest I can come (and this is a guess) is a St. Louis Car Co. truck. I just can't be sure. The five window front may give us a better clue. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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It's obvious the outer (powered) axles have much larger wheels, than the inner (idler) ones. Inner bearings are very low. Outer ones are over the main beam of the truck frame. However, it seems there is no springing, other than maybe small coil springs over journal boxes. Later 'Maximum Traction' trucks had longitudinal leaf springs. 'Maximum Traction' was a sales name, I assume somebody had it Patented, and guess several manufacturers built them and paid royalties. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, Gerold. I know "Maximum Traction" was used by Brill. Anyone else ? Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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Checked various Hedley Doyle and double deck cars. Seems all were built by Brill. Here is a nice postcard, although the colors are wrong: http://www.subchat.com/readflat.asp?Id=1386904&p=1#1387005 |
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David Laughery Registered
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Sorry, Gerold. The link does not give me an image. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave, try this: http://www.jtbell.net/transit/images/postcards/NewYork/HobbleSkirtCarsOnBroadway.jpg |
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David Laughery Registered
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Nope. All I get is the quote from '2001' ... " Sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that " Regards, Dave  Last edited on Fri Oct 1st, 2021 01:47 am by David Laughery |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave Give me your email address and I can send it to you. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I pretty much know the source of the cards in my collection. But the few I have from this locale, have me wondering where I collected them. Regards, Dave L.  |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi Dave, Possibly from a museum shop ? As a former Sales Manager at a narrow gauge railway museum, I was always on the lookout for related stuff that could be for sale on our site. There were several manufacturers in Australia in both the general souvenir, and railway-specific souvenirs who were producing postcards over many years. The details of who printed that postcard should be on the back. With a bit of luck they may be still printing postcards, and may be contactable to find out if they are doing other trams. While their businesses were built around selling postcards by the 100's, they might be amenable to selling one's or two's of each tram postcard, or maybe they can refer you to organisations that they have sold to, who can or do sell individual tram postcards. It will probably be another month or so, before I might be able to get to my local tramway museum. I've just checked with one of their members. They do sell postcards in their shop although they don't have an online store. Their contact details are: Mitch Skillcorn, enquiriesATsydneytramwaymuseum.com.au (replace the AT with @). He should be able to get someone to contact you, with the different postcards available for sale and pricing if posted as a bundle. At present all museums are closed locally, so please don't expect an instant definitive answer on cost and availability. The museum website is at https://www.sydneytramwaymuseum.com.au/ Don't forget to check out the Fleet and Workshop tabs, under "Enthusiasts' Corner" on the website. This video should give you some feel for what is there https://youtu.be/Fi869we_fJQ |
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David Laughery Registered
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Thanks, John. I've enjoyed looking at the material from your links provided. Regards, Dave L. |
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2foot6 Registered
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David Google.... Melbourne tramway museum.... It has a few pics. for you to spend hours looking at. ...............Peter |
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Trevor Gibbs Registered
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You could also have a look at the work of Greg King and Transit Classics, at the Rail Modeller Magazine, as the feature article. http://www.railmodelleraustralia.com While it is a free download, please consider a small donation to the magazine, to keep it going as the running costs are horrendous. As a disclaimer, none of that donation goes to me, and I have nothing to do with finances, in fact I pay for my own hard copies. Purchasing a hard copy with postage costs would be a different proposition, for those of you overseas from Australia. Cheers from Australia Trevor Associate Editor Rail Modeller Australia |
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2foot6 Registered
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Trevor the link doesn't work for me. ...........Peter |
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Trevor Gibbs Registered
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Hi Peter, Now corrected ! Out of interest, where are you in Melbourne ? I'm in Ocean Grove ! Cheers Trevor |
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oztrainz Super Moderator
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Hi Peter David, all Try this link: https://railmodelleraustralia.com/index.html Then click on the tram, to trigger a download of the online version of the magazine. The link to the September/October 2021 edition, will change when the next edition is released. It will then be accessed from the Downloads page at: https://railmodelleraustralia.com/downloads.html Please enjoy a good read. I especially liked the way the story of Brisbane's Phoenix trams was covered. Well done the authors and the production team. |
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David Laughery Registered
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John Thanks for sending the link. I am enjoying this. Regards, Dave L. |
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Trevor Gibbs Registered
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Hi John and all Thanks for the kind words about our efforts. There is a lot that has gone into the Rail Modeller Australia, and we would like to think it is a worthwhile contribution to the hobby. We would like some contribution back, and a couple of bucks as a donation would do it. If you care to contribute an article about your own layouts, or aspects of the hobby, feel free, my email is trevorjgibbs(AT)gmail.com I can send you a guideline for writing a layout article to possibly help you. It is not as hard as it seems and we can help you. We are looking for as much variety in the modelling fraternity as we can find ! Believe it or not, we have yet to see an article on an American, European or Japanese layout, and we cannot print what we do not have ! Regards Trevor |
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David Laughery Registered
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This latest card in the collection is this scene of San Francisco trolleys. It is a reproduction, it is getting harder to source original cards. All these modern cards are the "Continental," four by six inch size. Some dealers are kind enough to list the size of their offering, but others do not. Some do not even state if the card is a "REPRO".  Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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A new Pacific Electric postcard to add to the collection.  Given how large the PE system was it is hard to find many postcards of it. There are several on Mount Lowe, but not as many as I thought there should be on the main system itself. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael I am not surprised. As large as our Hershey Transit Co. was, there has never been a postcard. I'm trying to persuade our group, to make some for the gift shop. Regards, Dave |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is a sketch a friend did for me. Hershey Transit #3 has a bittersweet history. The combine was converted to all passenger seating, and later became the construction car that was used to dismantle FTC overhead. I enlarged this sketch to half inch scale and intended to build a model, but health issues prevented that. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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That's an attractive car. Seems to be more of an suburban type than an interurban, you don't see so many combines in this size. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Hershey Transit ran in urban areas, but ran between towns through rural areas. Here is No.3 returning to the Hershey car barn, and the start of restoration. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Have done similar madcap projects.... No trolleys, but vintage cars. So I know what challenges they are facing. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I once played with a '63 Rambler American, so I know... Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Ha ! Had a '64 station wagon ! Straight six, overdrive ! It was so rusty, it even had rust holes in the roof ! |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold Yeah, I know that battle so well. The Rambler had a lot pf work done in the trunk area when I got the car. I was working on the rocker panels when I sold the car. My British cars (TR3 and Austin Healey Sprites), were the hardest battles with rust. Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/jnos363/4467357339/in/album-72157623590717957/ Not sure if this is a post card or a plain photograph ? Anyway, I like trolley diners. Have one on my layout. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I think it is a photo. I like trolley diners, too. I had one on my N scale layout, and had a Bachmann G scale trolley body, that would have been a diner, had I built that large scale trolley layout. Regards, Dave L. |
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Si. Moderator
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Hi Dave That rust-spot on the Rambler roof, musta been HUGE ! I guess filling it wasn't an option. Easier to reach for the Ray-Bans & baseball-cap !  Si. |
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corv8 Registered
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Si. wrote:
Si. The one with the rustholes in the roof was my '64 station wagon, (Dave **only** had rusty rocker panels) and filling was the only option. It was rusty all along the rain drip rails, no way to weld there, so I filled it with a liberal amount of bathroom silicone. Held for years ! |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've added this card to the collection. The fine print at the bottom says: Heading to the summit on the Mt. Tom Railway, Holyoke, Mass. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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 Just got this postcard of a Pacific Electric PCC heading south on Brand Boulevard in Glendale. Note Woolworth's on the left and the Coke sign on the right. Those are the San Gabriel Mountains in the background. Circa 1950s ? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Michael That's a really nice card. I have a category of my collection, with SCENES that included a trolley. Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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I haven't seen this postcard before so I snapped it up. Haven't been to Glendale in years. There use to be a couple of really nice bars on Brand Avenue. Brought back memories. |
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corv8 Registered
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This was just posted on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tramfan/51832764929/in/contacts/ The picture was definitely taken in Warsaw, however I think that's a Northern Indiana car on foreign rails. |
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Michael M Registered
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 Angel's Flight in downtown Los Angeles. If I can read the postmark correctly I believe this is 1958. Not necessarily a trolley, but it does run on rails. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Uphill both ways ? Regards, Dave L. |
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Michael M Registered
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One up and one down. Then they reverse. One down and one up. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Well, I thought I had finally found a card I didn't have and bought this huge one. I did't notice it was 6x9 inches. I have never seen a postcard this size before. I don't know how I'll put it in the album. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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a weed sprayer? |
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David Laughery Registered
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Good eye, Gerold. It is a weed sprayer used in St. Louis. Regards, Dace L. |
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Michael M Registered
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Sure. Traction lines would have weed sprayers, street cleaners, and snow blowers. |
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David Laughery Registered
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There are a bunch of cards for snow blowers/sweepers, but few for sprinklers or weed sprayers. That is why this one really interested me. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've added two interesting cards to the collection. One show a winter scene in Montreal at Morgan's Corner, and the other shows the entrance to Lincoln Park in Chicago. The streetcar is a Pay-As-You-Enter type, the auto is unknown. Regards, Dave L.   |
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David Laughery Registered
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Since I was born in Philadelphia I like to add cards from there. Regards, Dave  |
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corv8 Registered
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Bridge is impressive. If I had more room, I would have steel bridges and trestles all around. Unfortunately, they eat up space. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold I notice my N scale trains run quietly when on bridges. I've thought it would be a quiet layout if it were entirely built on bridges. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I've added this nice street scene of a trolley traffic jam to the collection. I count seven trolleys in the mix. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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I thought I would share some more cards in my collection. Regards, Dave L.    |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave You have been busy... For some reason I missed your last contributions. Anyway, here is something from my files: Pacific Electric double ender PCC at El Segundo.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Nice one, Gerold. Here is a Los Angeles car. Regards, Dave  |
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corv8 Registered
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And here not the typical trolley postcard, more an oddball: The magnificent San Diego station with an Zephyr type train, and a PCC - at least it is green, so its not completely wrong.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
I guess the picture was taken at Orange Empire museum in Perris, as the car looks so clean ! |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold, you are correct ! Now how did you know that ?  Regards, Dave L. |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave (color) pics. from the Fifties look somehow different, apparently due to other film, and other development procedures, and usually cars show some scratches + dirt.. So I checked the OERM website, and found #1160 is preserved. Looks nice. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Any collection gotta have a card with a trolley on a trestle. Regards, Dave L.  |
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2foot6 Registered
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Here's a Melbourne tram/trolley in the western suburbs, it was the last time this tram travelled over the bridge. ..........Peter. Attachment: No 678 on its last journey, crossing the old trestle bridge across the Maribyrnong River..jpg (Downloaded 61 times) |
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David Laughery Registered
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A new card. I am not attracted to modern LRVs, but this is a nice shot of one after a snow. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is an old card from Kingston (Canada ?). On close examination I found only one woman aboard. Regards, Dave L.  |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is the latest addition to the collection. Regards, Dave L.  |
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Michael M Registered
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     Picked up a set of San Francisco trolleys from the 1992 Centennial. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Nice cards, Michael.  They appear to be 4x6 cards, right ? Regards, Dave L. I am curious how you get your photos. Do you scan them ? |
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Michael M Registered
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Yes, 4 x 6 cards. Nice and clean too. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here is an interesting set of three cards. It is the same scene published years apart. The card with only an address on one side would be pre 1907, when it was not permitted to write on the back with the addressee. The other cards have written messages on the side and bottom. The bottom card is dated 1911. Regards, Dave L.   |
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Michael M Registered
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A couple of more postcards. Both of these are from the California Railway Museum.  San Francisco Municipal Railway.  Petaluma & Santa Rosa Railway. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Great cards, Michael. Here is one, although not a trolley, it is electric. I have this card because I had a cab ride, from Harrisburg to Philadelphia and back, in one of these. I rode in Number 934. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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David Laughery wrote:
Dave What did the engineer say about her ? I once was told they weren't happy with them, and gave them some bad names. They tried to slip their wheels all the time, and the anti slip device throttled them down. Plenty of power and little weight, quite different, to the E60s and GG1s they were used to. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Gerold On that day #934 was malfunctioning. I believe it had to do with the dead-man switch. Every few minutes, the engineer had to manually reset something. He was not happy. He moaned and groaned, the whole four hours of the trip. Regards, Dave L. |
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David Laughery Registered
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I wonder what you who have duplicate cards do with them ? I've been putting my duplicates in another album, hoping to trade with another collector. Years ago, when I could buy a bundle of cards at train shows, I often bought duplicates of cards in my collection. Just curious. Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Dave Would you please post a good scan or photograph of the nice interurban, with the stamp on it, in the middle of the picture ? That's a beautiful car. |
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David Laughery Registered
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Here, Gerold. Info. from back:- "600 Series-1907 by Cincinnati Car Co. Four G.E. motors. Motor No 204. Controller, 2K 34d. Baldwin Trucks 78250. West. air brakes." Card was stamped and cancelled on back in 1969. Regards, Dave L.  |
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corv8 Registered
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Found another card on my HD. Backside says ... Utica & Mohawk Valley Ry #1 + 4 John Street Little Falls 1910  |
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2foot6 Registered
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WOW Great picture, must have been cold that day. ...Peter. |
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corv8 Registered
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Hi Dave Found a Flickr album dedicated to trolley postcards, you may already know it ? https://www.flickr.com/photos/intervene/albums/72157671231402367 |
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David Laughery Registered
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Hi Gerold I just saw this today. That album would make any trolley card collector smile. There are even a few I don't have. Thanks for posting ! Regards, Dave L. |
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