N Circus thread welcome here or no interest?

[Norway2112]

Didn't the Monon build a new train using those rebuilt hospital carsl?

A large portion did in fact go to the Monon and were converted to "streamlined" passenger cars, even though they were still heavyweights.  Somewhere around here I have a disposition record that shows how many were sold and to whom.  Its pretty complete for the 89300 series, but the 89400's were somewhat scattered to the wind and not nearly as well documented.  Just when I think I have found them all, another one appears in some reconfigured form or another.

[John]

While Peteski may be right that many of the folks here don't model circuses - we do model - and can appreciate the work that goes into it. I just checked your circus scene pics - and that is some fine work ..  so don't hesitate to share - even if only one person is into it 100%, its still worth considering the craftsmanship ..

[peteski]

And I do realize this fact, thus my thread title. Before I became disabled I was a goldsmith with my own jewelry store in Anchorage Alaska. I bought a Z scale starter set while visiting the Smithsonian and then ran it inside the most prominent showcase in my store. Huge attention getter. But it got packed up and left untouched after I left the business. I am a right brained creative type when it comes to model railroading. I find too much enjoyment in designing kits and accessories for myself or others to build so I never spent the time it takes to learn all the hard core railroad aspects you guys thrive on. Therefore I know my contribution here will be pretty much limited to my association with David and the projects we work together on. No complaint with that for sure!

I would like to show you some Picasa photos of an animated Z scale amusement park I made before I ever knew what a laser was. Every ride on there I scratchbuilt with help on animating just 2 of them. I realize it could destroy any respect I may have here by sharing the album because you will not like the artistic license I used liberally. But to my credit my fantasy layout was bought by a retired Hollywood actress who is a widow of a famous actor. I was paid well so any shame was salved in currency 
https://picasaweb.google.com/112872467246725114560/ZScaleDizzyland?authuser=0&feat=directlink

Dizzyland now resides on the wide window sill in a penthouse condo in Century City, Hollywood CA. I will assure you that the new circus line is much more serious and, hopefully, acceptable. Thank you for the airtime, its been a lot of fun.

Karin

That is some fine modeling Karin!  Not only it is scratch-built, it is in Z scale!  I thoroughly enjoyed seeing your creations.

As I mentioned, I was not specifically interested in circus or carnival modeling until seeing Roland's creations made me appreciate all the research and work that went into his models. I was more than happy to be his "behind the scenes" guy doing all the mechanical and electronic work.  I never get tired of looking at what we accomplished.

I might have sounded too negative in my original post. While most members here do choose not to model circuses or carnivals, they sure appreciate all the work that goes into creating these scenes.  Speaking only as one of the fairly recent members, I don't think anybody here will have any problems with your circus related posts.

[GaryHinshaw]

No problem at all!  The work on display in your gallery is magnificent and it evinces your jeweler's roots.

[sirenwerks]

I might have sounded too negative in my original post. While most members here do choose not to model circuses or carnivals, they sure appreciate all the work that goes into creating these scenes.  Speaking only as one of the fairly recent members, I don't think anybody here will have any problems with your circus related posts.

Still too negative, dude, and that's coming from me - master of negative (sorry Robbman).  Let's just see it, stop beatin' up on the idea.  Most folks here may not have thought about modeling traveling shows 'cause they know diddly about them or have no experience with them in contemporary times.  I've been researching circus trains for a few years on and off but have nothing to show for it.  I'd love some product to help to get the project in gear.  And key to the counter to your gripe is that it offers a chance to model a train.  WOOT!  No one here argues with another excuse to model a train, and plenty of folks like specialized trains of one sort or another; be it passenger or intermodal, etc.  In their heyday, these trains were everywhere, not just the boring RBBB-only we have now.  Bring it on Karin, no more arguing peanut gallery, make way, let the circus modeler through, I wanna see some freaks (got my Johnny Eck Fan Club membership card out and everything)...

PS - Bob, pay attention.  The Mt. Vernon, Haffner-Thrall and/or Warren flats are perfect etched products, as would be a National or other 60' or so stock car.

[altohorn25]

Most shows by the 40's used 72' stock cars (horse and elephant cars - elephant cars had smaller vents as opposed to full slats the entire length of the car) as well as 72' flats (Warren, Mt. Vernon, or Thrall as stated earlier).

The hospital cars were used by Ringling as well as a few other shows after the war.  Those would be cool to model.

Nate

[bbussey]

I know some of the hospital cars were converted by RBB&B into Advertising cars.  Were they also converted into personnel cars on the actual circus trains as well?  My thoughts prior was to have just the one Advertising car to tack on the end of a New Haven consist.  But the ex-hospital cars as part of a circus consist gives added incentive to fabricate them.

[altohorn25]

I know some of the hospital cars were converted by RBB&B into Advertising cars.  Were they also converted into personnel cars on the actual circus trains as well?  My thoughts prior was to have just the one Advertising car to tack on the end of a New Haven consist.  But the ex-hospital cars as part of a circus consist gives added incentive to fabricate them.

Bryan,

Yes; the majority of the sleepers that were in use after RBBB re-equipped the train after WWII (late 40's - this is when the coaches were painted silver with red letterboards for the first time - before this they were red with black roofs and white lettering) were US hospital cars.  This would include the advertising car as well (the last time Ringling used an advertising car was the 1955 - it is now at Circus World Museum in Baraboo, WI)

For those interested, a great resource book is "The Circus Moves By Rail" by Tom Parkinson and C.P. Fox.  I don't think it is in print anymore; I could be incorrect.

Nate

[peteski]

Still too negative, dude, and that's coming from me - master of negative (sorry Robbman).  Let's just see it, stop beatin' up on the idea.  Most folks here may not have thought about modeling traveling shows 'cause they know diddly about them or have no experience with them in contemporary times.  I've been researching circus trains for a few years on and off but have nothing to show for it.  I'd love some product to help to get the project in gear.  And key to the counter to your gripe is that it offers a chance to model a train.  WOOT!  No one here argues with another excuse to model a train, and plenty of folks like specialized trains of one sort or another; be it passenger or intermodal, etc.  In their heyday, these trains were everywhere, not just the boring RBBB-only we have now.  Bring it on Karin, no more arguing peanut gallery, make way, let the circus modeler through, I wanna see some freaks (got my Johnny Eck Fan Club membership card out and everything)...

Whoa!  Did you really read my original post or visit the thread I linked to?!   I *AM* one of the modelers who is involved in circus and carnival modeling.   I am planning on posting photos or videos of the latest carnival projects I'm involved in but I don't expect as much interest in that info than let's say in the scratch built 4-12-2 thread. I'm just being realistic here.

[rogergperkins]

Karin, I am a frequent decenter ( one who loses or shifts from an established center or focus) on this forum.
Thus in that context, I say to keep on with your circus project and keep it in view of the n-scale model railroaders.
Obviously the fine people at MTL recognized an interest circus to the extent of offering a line of circus train rolling stock.
I have limited experience with things circus and thus no inclination to devote modeling space to such.
However, I think you already note that some n-scale modelers who participate here found your topic and products of interest.
Many who are model railroaders find enjoyment from capturing memories of their youth on their layout.
 

[Midniteflyer]

I like seeing the circus modeling in any scale. I don't model the circus but collect the MTL circus offerings, wish they would release more. To model a modern circus train there needs to be many more cars.

Only right i should collect the stuff seeing as my last name is Barnum........

[pnolan48]

I'd certainly consider a full-fledged circus train because my layout could certainly hold one. I just never saw enough circus items in one place to spark the idea. I'll even have room for a circus scene. So I'm most interested in seeing "stuff."

Wasn't there a documentary on these trains a few years ago? I remember being fascinated by the speed and precision logistics.

Didn't the US Army ask RBBB for advice on speedily loading and unloading armament trains?

[Alaska Railroader]

I got an email, while away, from a manufacturer asking me my opinion on what circus flat car to make, Warren or Mount Vernon. Whaaa??? Had to rub my eyes and pinch myself. He was asking me?! I didn't hesitate and told him I have been overwhelmed with requests for Warrens (even before I started this thread) and none for Mount Vernons. Not to say the Mt.V's aren't desired but just not what I have been asked to make. In his response he said that they may tool both at the same time and that it may be awhile yet. It would be cast white metal.

So, there you have it. Maybe I can be of some help to you after all. At least to those who have dreamed of strings of those cars. If they are produced I most certainly will carry them.

Karin

[Alaska Railroader]

Since I am having trouble posting an individual photo into my post I guess I'll share the whole album link. This is not the same album I shared earlier. This has some items from the new circus line. Take a look if you are interested. There's a photo of the real circus flat cars loaded with a bus but more importantly it shows that any load goes in circus transport.

BTW, my buses are white and will be have red decals similar to the bus in the photo. In that album you'll see an earlier version of the calliope, performance and holding cages, side show banners, posters, an unfinished high wire act, wooden bleacher kit and alas, photos of a real RED crawler!
 
https://picasaweb.google.com/114371775303381702075/StonebridgeModelsCircusSamplesAndMore

[sirenwerks]

I got an email, while away, from a manufacturer asking me my opinion on what circus flat car to make, Warren or Mount Vernon. Whaaa???

Traincat?  Maybe Bob is listening...  Tell him both, I always hate being stuck with one option.