Large Scale Central

Logging Caboose

Prototypes
#1

The Connecticut Antique Machinery Association in Kent, CT has been restoring an old narrow gauge logging caboose originally built in the early 1900’s on the Tionesta Vally Railroad. In one of my visit’s to the CAMA museum, I noticed that the castings on the caboose had the lettering B&S CO York, PA. I assume this to be Billmeyer & Smalls… [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_07-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Click image to enlarge[/color]

Over on the East Broad Top RR mailing list, discussion turned to a wood caboose built by Billmeyer & Smalls for the EBT and how rare photos of it were, so I dug these out of my collection and posted them to the list. I thought some here might like to see them too. [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_01-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Original body about to be dropped on re-built wood frame - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_02-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Coupola being restored - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_03-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Interior - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_04-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Draft gear & top of bolster - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_05-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Bolster side view - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_06-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Nearly complete - Click image to enlarge[/color] [url=ebt.cvsry.com/TVRyCaboose/TVRy-Cab_08-1024.jpg]

[/url][color=blue]Looking good next to H Ry #5 - Click image to enlarge[/color] However, digging around the CAMA website, it says caboose #111 was built by the Tionesta Valley RR, so the B&S castings might have been part of a kit. From the CAMA website are these early photos of caboose #11 in operation…

And the caboose being used as a restaurant to feed hunters in the 1950’s after the railroad closed up…

And finally, what it looked like in 1993 when it was donated to CAMA by the woman in the above photo just before she passed.

There are a lot more interesting pictures on CAMA’s website at http://www.ctamachinery.com/Caboose%20111%20history.html

#2

Jon, Thanks for the construction photos. I learn a good deal from them. Case in point, I now understand another purpose of the tie rod. Where they not only allow for some correction of sag, they also seem to assist in the relief of pressure on the bolsters. And the bolster rods can now be understood also, as I always believed that wood would wear out quicker then it seemed too.

#3

WOW…I never heard of this company before…however I want to add Jon, remember in the Civil war pics thread you asked about Broad Gauge note this company would be probably about 30miles west of Hanover PA

#4

I think, in the context of that advertisement, broad gauge was probably anything wider than 42" and commonly what we call Standard Gauge today. 4’8" didn’t become the standard for quite a while. Today we think of anything over 4’8" as Broad Gauge.

Edit to add a link for you: http://www.midcontinent.org/rollingstock/builders/billmeyersmall1.htm

#5

Thank you, Jon.
The site on B&S is very cool.
The CAMA site as well.
Ralph

#6

B & S built practically all of the D&RG early, early rolling stock.
The little box car Accucraft offers is one of their models.

#7

Thanks Jon!!!
I skimmed over the link and will check it it tonight. That will keep me out of everyone’s hair tonight…:slight_smile:

#8

Good stuff. I love the older logging photos especially ones from the East Coast

#9

A wonderful old caboose: its really great to see it preserved and restored. There is a nice history to it, well documented it seems and a nice legacy for the lady who donated it. Mention is made of the Tionesta V R and I guess that is the name beneath the larger lettering which I am unable to read but does seem to have the word ‘chemical’ as part of the name. I wonder id anyone else is able to read that?

One thing that I feel is interesting is the restoration pics which show the methods of construction.

#10

Alan,

In the description at the top of the page on the CAMA web site, it states the that the Tionesta was purchased by the Clarion Chemical Company.

Bob C,

#11

Many thanks Bob. I was more interested in the pics so missed the descriptive bits.

At least I can now sleep easily. lol

#12

Nice stuff about an old caboose saved, . . thanks for posting.