Inspired by Kid Z’s model build, I have this start from 30 years ago. The Kid built his lowboy train car and Dad Eric and kid got a pre-made cannon. I will by a flat car and continue making the canon.
I have increased the bore from 1/4" to 3/8" (Not shown in this picture) and I am working on the lower cradle base plate.
The step down will have rack for gun operators to stand on
OR&W Railway must be a tough neighborhood if you have to arm your trains.
Remember the original rail line, Bellaire, Zanesville and Cincinnati Railroad . started right after the American civil war. Defense was on everyone’s mind. Plus… I have this cannon… If Kid Z. has a canon on his train, I am following his lead!
Wayne;
Lima trains of Italy made an HO diesel train (WWII era) featuring the Leopold rail mounted naval sized cannon. I had one of those trains for a while, and ir was a real crowd pleaser.
My current cannon car is somewhat smaller, but it was fun to build.
Regards. David Meashey
Isn’t it spelled “cannon”? Canon is a camera brand.
…or ecclesiastical law… or a certain priestly role in some churches. As in, “Father Bob has an unorthodox night job at the circus. The non-canonical Canon gets shot out of a cannon.” 
OK, to make amends for that, here’s a couple of RR cannon model links.
Fixed 20 19 18 17 16…
Beautiful work, Wayne.
Can you run us through the build steps Wayne? (Materials etc.?)
My first cannon I made it to make noise. Drilled the bore in a piece of 1 1/8" hex stock. 1/8" fuse hole and mounted in a heavy red oak base.
I decided to make a more decorative cannon. Cold roll round stock. I learned how to use the taper attachment on the lathe for another job, so I cut the cold roll with a taper on the end. Two more cuts for the “U” clamps. Machine shop is gone, unfinished cannon just sits hiding in the garage until Kid Z’s model lights a spark. Train car with gun! More to come…
I had some 8 axle flat cars bookmarked. Seller made me an offer and I pulled the lever.
Should have it in a few days!
Lucky to find a gear set to use for elevation.
Will only need about 1/3 of the arc. Need to drill the pivot in the cannon cradle next. Real important the center of the gear matches. Would be cool if the gear was metal, but the nylon will work.
That is going to be great.
Years ago I saw a photo where someone mounted a big bang cannon to a train car and someday I hope to do the same.
The eight axle drop deck rail car arrived today. Getting closer to making this rig a reality. Now I am wondering if the car will need outriggers to keep it on the rails when the gun is fired. Still looking for a gear set for the rotation of the turret. If not, pin stops should work.
Found the second gear set with a worm drive. This should hold the large gear set so the elevation only changes if you rotate the worm gear.
No plan to run the motor. The worm gear will spin on a crank handle axis. Still planning…
