So I have acquired a NP switch stand that I was told was early 1900’s possibly around 1910. I am wondering if there is a source or a way to determine the age of said stand.
More then likely there’s a Manufacturers name and a date on it somewhere. Most of the one’s I’ve seen are like that.
If there are cast parts on it, they will have some identifying information cast into the piece. Most Switch Stands from the era you suggest had cast bases, and in some cases, cast throw arms, etc. Your item may not have a manufacturers name cast in, but it will, more than likely have part numbers, or mold numbers cast in. If these numbers are present, then you have some clue, but probably big time research on your hands.
Devon,
one way to start is to post a picture of your switch stand. other railroads probably used the same style at one time or another some had the railroad’s name cast into them , but I do not thing many made there own.
Al P.
Go through a NP historical society, that will weed out other types… if yer lucky.
John
ps:
It’s probably wrong for your era, send it on down…
If you post a picture on some rail fan site, I’m sure someone who knows everything there is to be known about Switch Stands (and probably more than anyone would really want to know, if they had a life), will tell you exactly what you have.
Good advice all. I will hopefully get it out of my truck and be able to take pictres of it. The thing weighs like 300#. Took three grown men to load it. It definitely has a cast base with casting marks in it. I have not looked close as I just got it today and haven’t had time to really look it over. I do know that it is stamped NP and came off abandon BNSF spur that dates to 1909. It is supposed to be an original switch stand but I don’t know how reliable the source is.
I will post pictures and casting information in the coming days.
And Yes john it is very likely just a bit out of my era but since I have a sprinkling of NP and GN artifacts in my collection I think I can make an exception and let one of these new fangled switch stands hang around. Now if you can find me an 1880’s or 1890’s switch stand I will trade you straight across.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)
So got it out of the truck without crushing toes. It has NP stamped all over it. Other identifying marks are R381 which is stamped in two different places on the base so I am assuming this is the model. it also has ST P stamped on it which I am taking a stab stand for ST Paul maybe which makes since since NP was head quartered there maybe there was a foundry in St Paul?
Devon Sinsley said:
Good advice all. I will hopefully get it out of my truck and be able to take pictres of it. The thing weighs like 300#. Took three grown men to load it. It definitely has a cast base with casting marks in it. I have not looked close as I just got it today and haven’t had time to really look it over. I do know that it is stamped NP and came off abandon BNSF spur that dates to 1909. It is supposed to be an original switch stand but I don’t know how reliable the source is.
I will post pictures and casting information in the coming days.
And Yes john it is very likely just a bit out of my era but since I have a sprinkling of NP and GN artifacts in my collection I think I can make an exception and let one of these new fangled switch stands hang around. Now if you can find me an 1880’s or 1890’s switch stand I will trade you straight across.(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-tongue-out.gif)
You are sooooo greeedy!(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-money-mouth.gif)
My wife says this will look best out where my RR will go. I think this will look better in my basement man cave where my railroad history collection is. I even have a spot for it. But I agree it would make a nice yard ornament for the RR.
Nice. Ive been looking around for one for a while but havent found one where the owner didint think it was solid gold. Still looking…
Bob McCown said:
Nice. Ive been looking around for one for a while but havent found one where the owner didint think it was solid gold. Still looking…
Bob, I got very lucky on this one. Total cost to me $0.00. And no its not stolen. Pictures tonight. I believe that the target and the piece of steel holding the target are not original but heck its awesome. May have to try and find an NP signal light for it.
I’ve got the lantern top from one (less the lamp works), but have run across a stand that was for sale. There’s a real nice New Haven pump handle stand without the target on the Housatonic at an abandon switch near my work that I have thought several times of asking the RR if they would sell. I’ve never followed up as I figure they will value it like gold as soon as someone shows interest. I’d love to try and gear one down to throw a model switch (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Well there she is. Isn’t it pretty. Can’t imagine why the wife doesn’t think this needs a spot in the house.
Now you’ve done it! Now you will be on a never-ending search for missing parts like the Throw Arm and such. Your life will be consumed by this endless quest to restore the Switch Stand to its former glorious, pristine state! After that, you will have so much time, effort and emotion tied up the the thing, that you will insist that it have a place of honor in your home! We will hear of the tragedy in the newspapers and on TV when your wife shoots your sorry a** for ruining her home decor!
Or … You can save yourself the misery, untimely demise, and your wife a life sentence in prison, by sending the offending Switch Stand to Bob McCown, who will be more than happy to give it a good Foster Home!
I’ll take my chances(http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)
Nice snag Devon! Did you hit your garage window unloading it? I would like to suggest a nice spot in your entry. Once you get the lantern back in place, it will serve as a nice night light. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)
Most of my garage windows look like that. Its from a son that is obsessed with hockey and shoots pucks in the garage. I told him I will gladly pay to replace them with lexan. At least he is out practicing his craft and the improvement shows. Need to do that before winter. He puts up a net and a tarp but sometimes he misses badly.
As for turning the switch into a night light I really like that idea for the man cave. Even if it ends up outdoors on the layout it would look good, out there I could see rigging it to a solar cell and a photo censor so it comes on when the sun goes down. Hmmmm food for thought.