Question & Answer Board

 Q1322 Adlake #100 Lantern  I just inquired an Adlake lantern from an estate auction and it is marked # 100 on the top and also has pat dates on top. I have been doing some research and can not find any with the #100. The lowest # I seen was # 250.  Posted Wednesday, April 30, 2008 by Jeff   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The Kero 100 was a transition model to burn the 'new Kerosene fuel'. It is actually a Reliable frame with a longer (taller) globe retainer and a shorter glass globe. These parts were unique to this model. The 100 was a short lived model as the most efficient use of the new fuel needed a smaller combustion chamber. Hence, the short frame/globe lantern quickly replaced it. Due to the 100's short production, only a few eastern roads are known to have bought it: NYC & the New Haven, and possibly one/two more (LV?). The replacement model was the Kero 200, Adlake’s first short frame lantern. It used the round (rope) wick burner from the very successful switch lantern. While the light output was fine for a switch lantern, it was considered dim for a signal lantern. This quickly brought about the 250, which went back the flat style wick. Since the pots were interchangeable, the 200 was easily (read: cheaply) upgraded by swapping in a 250 fount. Today, finding a 200 with it’s original fount is somewhat of a find. All this is probably more then you wanted to know. …  Posted Friday, May 2, 2008 by KB

 Q1321 Piper Lanterns in US?  I've purchased an old brass lantern bottom at a farm auction here in Canada. Its well pitted and a lot of the initial brass has worn off. Inscribed on it is PIPER MAKER TORONTO on one side and what I believe are the letters CPR on the other. My wife thinks this particular combination of letters is CRR. I know that CPR stands for Canadian Pacific Ry and I believe CRR stands for Central RR. My question is this, did Piper make lanterns for US railroads once upon a time?  Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by CC   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1320 Key Marking  Would any know what these markings on this key would represent? The key is marked Adlake on the back.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by SP   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The comprehensive listing in Barrett and Gross' book on Adlake locks and keys shows C&BL RR as Conemaugh and Black Lick. (Although the pic looks like C & "R" L, on close inspection, I think that's a worn 'B'.) There are two different patterns indicated in the book for C&BL. The key pictured with the question matches the one pattern (#1722)in the book, but the bit appears to be on the wrong side of the barrel. The other pattern (#439)is not pictured, so not possible to confirm absolutely. Until Bethlehem Steel went out of business, C&BL was their in-house railroad at the mill in Johnstown, PA  Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1319 B.R.V.I. Co. Lantern  There is a Adams & Westlake BB lantern on ebay with the letters B.R.V.I. Co. Is there anyone that knows what the full name is?  Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by TW   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Bitterroot Valley Irrigation Co. Its not RR but was a nice lantern. Posted Thursday, May 1, 2008 by SB

 Q1318 Single Guard Keystone Lantern  The other day I was given what is left of a ( KEY-1 )pg 169 of Barretts book. It came with an ICR globe. I see there are a number of RR's it was used for. It is very rusted. I think it's been on it's side on the ground for many years) half of the top flange on the lid is gone. I can't make out a RR on cap. Now the odd part: Is it common to have the KEY-1 *single guard* with the Casey wick raiser as in KEY-2? Posted Saturday, April 26, 2008 by Pete   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1317 British Lamp Question  I have this lamp,I am not a collector but would like to know more. It is square and has Adlake non sweating lamp on the top. It has a plaque on the front that says Adlake No.55. It also says BR which I guess is British Rail and M. Is that for Manchester or Midland? What type of light is it? I saw a similar one that said it was a level crossing lamp. I have searched for days but can't find one the same. Is that because it isn't collectable?. Many Thanks.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Saturday, April 26, 2008 by Rae   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1316 Dominion Globe  Hi , I'm not sure where else to turn. I've used this site before on RR lantern questions. This question concern a lantern globe. I have several 7 inch globes CLIMAX / ONT L Co ... DTL Co/ MONTREAL... MACBETH / PEARGLASS / No 244. I think this one is American... MANUFACTURED BY / J M WILLIAMS & Co / HAMILTON ONT. I've seen all of these around over the years. The next one though is my question. It has DOMINION in an arch with F beneath. This would be the Early Dominion Glass Co 1886 - 1896 before the Diamond Flint Glass became the Dominion Glass 1913. I have rare fruit jars that are the arched Dominion. Now the question, has anyone else come across one of these globes with the arched DOMINION? I have studied and collected Canadian glass for 25+ years and this is the first one I've got.  Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by Pete   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The following links contain some history of Canadian glass manufacturers, and they seem to indicate that Dominion Glass company was formed in 1912 and was an amalgamation of several existing glass companies that included Diamond Flint and Sydenham. Are you saying that Dominion, (not to be confused with Old Dominion Galss in Alexandria,VA) was around before 1913? Unfortuneatly there is not a lot of information about Canadian lanterns or glass manufacturewrs available on the web. Also, the catalog drawing of the Macbeth/Evans Pearl Glass #244 globe that is shown on page 292 in The Encylopedia of Railroad Lighting:Volume One-The Railroad Lantern has a globe height of 6 5/8 inches, not seven. There are two other Pearl Glass globes, the 242 and the 245 that are seven inches tall. I am almost tempted to say that a seven inch globe was not a railroad lantern globe, but then I noticed that Adlake also shows a seven inch globe in their 1907 catalog which is shown on page 278 of Barrett's book. Does anyone know what lantern those 7" globes fit? The very common general use lantern globes are usually shorter, like 6 5/8 inches tall.  Link 1  Link 2  Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by KM

A. There is a 15 second delay built into that first link above that will redirect you automatically, or hit the Redirect tab in it, to get to the page that has history of Diamond Flint and Dominion Glass.  Posted Wednesday, April 23, 2008 by Km

A. Hi. First of all, just to not confuse , all of the globes mentioned in my original question are for regular lanterns. not RR lanterns. Second , I am very familiar with Canadian glass history . Sadly, most web sites have a fair amount of misinformation when it comes to this subject. The Dominion Glass Co that I am writing of was before the 1913 formation of the Dominion Glass Co most people know of. The Early Dominion Glass Co was bought out by Diamond Glass (became Dominion 1913) in Jan.1898. It started in 1886 and ran till 1897 - 98. It's main production was bottles. As I say I have not seen a globe by them before. Thanks anyways.  Posted Monday, April 28, 2008 by Pete

 Q1315 Lamp ID needed  I have this solid brass lamp. The globe looks old. (Bubbles in the glass.) Stamped on the side-'NEW YORK STATE LAMP COMPANY' Any one know about it? Thanks much.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by Herbert    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. This is a Railway Post Office car candle lamp. I have many of these from several different manufacturers. The name that I have on an identical lamp with the exact location and hole pattern to yours is The Safety Company, New York. Adams and Westlake, Dayton Lamp Co. and Dressel also made them. Usually the Adams and Westlake lamps say Patented 1907, but that really doesn't indicate how old they might be. They were used as emergency lighting in RPO cars,when the batteries or the generator in for the car failed. The always innovative and thoroughly modern US Postal Service required them on RPO cars right up to the end of RPO service in the 1970's. Each car had about a dozen of them in a cabinet and there were wall brackets for them mounted throughout the car. When the lights failed in the car, the clerks would try to sort mail by candle light. Regardless of who made them they all look pretty similar since they had to meet a goverment standard. The candle for it is available from A.I. Root Candle Company in Medina, Ohio. I think they call it a pummers candle, although some folks call it a plumbers candle. I burn mine frequently and the Root candle lasts for about 6 hours with no smoke and very little wax run off. The chimney and wall bracket are available from W. T. Kirkman Company, at www.lanternnet.com. Here is the link for A.I. Root Candle Company.  Link 1  Posted Saturday, April 19, 2008 by KM

A. Would you happen to have the candle # for the RPO candle that root may have? I was not able to find it when the word 'Pummer' was used. Posted Friday, April 25, 2008 by BS

A. I just called A.I.Root, and they still have approximately 2 or 300 of these candles left in a box at their Factory Outlet Store in Medina,OH. They were a customer order of 500 for Oberlin College and they were returned. Root is calling it a plumber's candle. The price is 75 cents each, but they do not ship from the Outlet Store, or handle orders over the phone. The candle is 4" long, with a tapered top by the wick that is 1" long, for a total length of 5". The diameter is 1&1/4 inches. I have an unburned original candle that came with an RPO lamp which has a perforatated paper wrap on it, and it is 5" long total with a short 3/8" taper on the top, and 1&1/4" in diameter. I took the original to Root and matched it to these about two years ago. You can try and call A.I. Root Customer Service on weekdays at 330 725 6677 Ext. 3232 and talk to Donna. She may be able to help you with an order for them. This company is extremely helpful and service oriented.  Posted Saturday, April 26, 2008 by KM

 Q1314 Bell Yoke  I recently acquired an early bell, most likely circa 1850, that has been suggested to be an early locomotive bell. However, I have never seen a locomotive bell with the bell mounted to the yoke with fixed or stationary connection; all of the railroad bells I have seen include a spindle mount and center bolt, allowing the bell to be rotated on the mount to ensure even wear. A friend tells me that there is a rare American locomotive, a 2-2-2, that dates from about this period, that may have used such a bell. Any and all responses regarding my 'mystery bell' will be greatly appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by uritistr   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Hello, the closest bell to yours is shown in the illustrated book Civil War Railroads, Library of Congress #-61-13110 by George B.Abdill. Page 183.A 4-4-0 wood burner made by the shops of the New Orleans,Opelousas and Great Western RR. in 1866 when under the control of the US Quarter Master Dept. Perhaps a enlargement of the photo would be of help. The photo was credited to Mr. Chas.E. Fisher, Railway and Locomotive Historical Society. Mike Posted Monday, April 21, 2008 by Mike Dolan

 Q1313 Track Gauge  I was shown this caliper and told it was a track/rail gauge used by the Southern Railroad. I was curious to see if anyone could confirm this? It is made of steel and is about an 3/16 in. thick. It is 6-5/8 in. long and 4 in. wide as shown. The two openings are 2-5/8 in. and 2-1/2 in. Any comments would be appreciated and thanks for the help.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by RUB   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Gages like this are fairly common in the railroad industry to determine whether various components are of acceptable sie when new, and/or should be continued in service after they are worn. The most commonly-seen ones are used to measure wheels, couplers, and other equipment parts which wear out fairly rapidly. This gage is about the right size to check rail or track switch parts, but it is hard to tell without more identifying info exactly where it would have been used. Is there any ID lettering at all on the part? Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1312 China ID Needed  I recently acquired three platters having the topmark shown in the photo. The closest match that I have found in the literature is RTR for the Reading Terminal Restaurant. Anyone familiar with this topmark that could confirm or offer a differing opinion? Also included is a picture of the backmark Mayer China. Thank you,   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by ED   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1311 Wax Sealer  I have what I have been told is a wax seal. It is from the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Rolling Prairie depot. That depot was between Beaver Dam, WI And Horicon, WI. It ran under the name of Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, from 1864-1874. The seal has a wooden handle, and an oval brass 'face plate'. What was the purpose of this (or any) wax seal? Was it used to stamp papers or something? I am not a collector. My late wife aquired this from her late father, whom worked for the Milwaukee Road, near Beaver Dam, WI more than 50 years ago.  Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by TL   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Wax sealers were used on internal mail to discourage tempering. Sealing was was melted on the envelope and flap and then impressed with the seal. The only way to open the envelope was to break the seal. Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by BK

 Q1310 P-S GLobe  I have a red tall lantern globe with a keystone and P-S etched on it. It was made by Mcbeth Evans Glass and has mec 21 cast in it at the top of the globe. The book written by Barrett and Gross does not mention this globe. Your help would be appreciated.  Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2008 by Paul   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The P-S stands for Pennsylvania System, another designation for the Pennsylvania Railroad.  Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2008 by Web Editor

 Q1309 Lock & Key Markings  I acquired a brass hollow key with the following initials on it, FPD A on one side and ADLAKE on the other. This key easily opens my Seaboard Coast Line steel with brass hasp adlake lock. I also have a L & N lock that is identified on the key hole cover with a stylized S with a line through it in a diamond shape from Lang PA. Any help with what these initials and logos mean will be appreciated. Thanks.  Posted Tuesday, April 15, 2008 by Michael    Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The stylized S in a diamond sounds like Slaymaker from Lancaster, PA. Fraim Slaymaker used a diamond emblem with FS and a line in it. "Lang" is probably "Lanc" an abbreviation for Lancaster. And maybe no help on FPD A, but the Florida, Peninsular and Jacksonville became part of the Seaboard Air Line. Are you sure that the D isn't a J? Here is a link to the Keys Page in the Railroadiana Online Library which shows some keys with the Fraim Slaymaker diamond emblem.  Link 1  Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by KM

A. In the days before everyone carried a portable two-way radio, and/or had one in their car, almost every police department had 'Call Box' telephones on street corners to communicate with policemen on patrol. Many of these used keys very similar to railroad switch keys to open the box, and Adlake made keys for these also, so the 'PD' on your key might well be 'Police Department.' Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by RJMc

A. The comprehensive Adlake listing in Vol. 1 of Barrett and Gross's book "RR Locks and Keys" shows FPD A made for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, "A" series. There were also FPD 'B' and 'C' series. The Adlake key pattern no. is 1305, pictured on pg. 26. FPD A locks are also listed, to pattern 48-1305. A web search confirms that FPD exists in the Chicago area, Cook County, IL (see link). While the Adlake info is in the 'switch key' and 'switch lock' listings, I have no idea whether the District might have (or have had) any kind of rail operations.  Link 1  Posted Thursday, April 24, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1308 Track Termometer  I'm doing some research on an old tool. It's a B&O track thermometer. It's a thin bent metal plate holding a mercury filled glass thermometer and the bulb reservoir has a 90 degree bend and a flat bottom to lay on the track. It's laid on the track and the mercury rises and depending on the temp it tells you how much shimming the track needs when laying the track so with expansion and contraction of the metal track it doesn’t buckle up. It's in perfect condition and has the original packaging and wrapping I believe. Are these common or rare? I would guess they break very easily if set on the track too hard I could see the glass breaking. Any info would be great!! Thanks all.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, April 10, 2008 by Joe   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Almost all rail today is laid as 'welded rail' which comes in lengths 1500 feet or longer. The older method was to buy rail (as shown on the gage) typically in 39' lengths and bolt it together with 'fish plates' in the field. Rails which had already been in track, on which the ends were messed up, would sometimes be 'cropped' and reused as 30 to 33' foot lengths. The 'fish plates' are designed to let the rails slide together and apart to compensate for the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. The temperature at which the rail is laid is a critical benchmark. If laid on a very hot day (rail at expanded length) when cold weather comes it may stretch so tight that the joints or the rail itself breaks -- this is a 'pull apart'. If laid when very cold (rail contracted) when hot weather comes the entire track may buckle out of line -- this is a 'sun kink' or 'track buckle'. Also, if the spikes or other fasteners are released when the track is hot, the rail can buckle upward out of line, and be very hard to get back in place. The method for controlling these problems was to set the bolted joints at a calibrated opening distance between the rail ends before bolting them up. The track foreman carried a set of shims to check the distance between the rail ends and chose the shim to use according to the thermometer reading. The shim was only used to set or check the distance; it didn't stay in the track. Expansion and contraction of the rail has not gone away just because the joints are welded -- it has become even more critical. It is controlled now not only by monitoring the laying temperature but by paying very careful attention to the rail fasteners and track bed conditions which must restrain the track against buckling. The risk of track buckling and 'pull aparts' remain a major safety issue for the industry. Only now, the rail thermometers are digital. As to rarity, I have seen very few of these in a lot of poking around railroadiana. It is likely at one time each Section Foreman had one, and sections were typically only 5 or so miles long, so many of them must have been in use. But as you point out, most of those probably got broken and thrown away long ago.  Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1307  Fred Harvey Mug  Just wanted to know about the Fred Harvey Mug with the Harvey Girl logo on it(as seen in McIntyre's Official Guide to Railroad China Page 161) where was it used and for how many years? Here is a photo of a mug made by Jackson China with a date code of 1965. Any and all information will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Thursday, April 10, 2008 by John   Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1306 Adlake GN #3 Lamp  I recently acquired an Adlake GN #3 lamp which was electrified and missing some parts. I want to return it to it's former state. Does anyone know where I can get drawings of the lamp or parts to repair?  Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by TT   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. Greetings, Who manufactured the lantern? Are there any names on it like ADLAKE or Dressel or Handlin or Armspear or???? Also there are several people/places that sell used parts and some that sell reproductions. If you can email me through this website I would be glad to give you the names of people I buy parts from regularly. Posted Wednesday, April 16, 2008 by Craig

A. Thanks for the response. The manufacturer is Adlake. If you have a copy of "The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Railroad Lighting Volume Two it is shown on Page 352. It is known as a Swift Train Order Signal Lamp. Someone removed the base and electrified it. We can repair most things but that base appears to be unique to the lantern and Great Northern. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Don.  Posted Thursday, April 17, 2008 by DLM

A.  Hi Don if you have a swift train order signal lamp in my opinion you have wonderful and somewhat rare piece, the RR marking enhances the value too. Adams & Westlake (or ADLAKE) is still in business in Elkhart Indiana. I don't know if they retain the original drawings for the swift lamp or not but it might be worth a call or you can visit their website and send them an email (this I have done in the past, they responded promptly). Finding a base for this might prove to be rather difficult. I do not wish to violate this websites (K.L&L) policy about buying or selling. So if you would send me an email at cndhackett@milwpc.com I will send you the name of my two favorite parts suppliers. I can't gurantee that they have what you need but they would be your best shot. Craig Posted Friday, April 18, 2008 by Craig

 Q1305 Seaboard Air Line Railway #284  What type of engine was Seaboard Air Line Railway #284? Where can I find this information? Thanks,  Posted Monday, April 7, 2008 by RW   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The link is to the website of the Atlantic Coast Line - Seaboard Air Line historical society. They will almost certainly be able to help you.  Link 1  Posted Monday, April 7, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1304 Lamp Restoration  I have two Caboose markers from the B&O railroad era. They used to be hung on two pillars flanking the driveway at my grandmother’s farm. The original burners were removed and replaced with electric light bulb sockets. I wanted to know what the best way to restore them would be. They are black with red and green lenses, and the construction is not the wire basket style that the restoration page covers. Can the lye method be used to restore this type of lantern? Thank You.  Posted Monday, April 7, 2008 by Tony   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The lye method will remove old paint very well and leave a clean surface. This is probably the quickest way to bare metal. However just like the instructions say if you have any aluminum in or on the lantern it will be destroyed/dissolved (I speak from experience). You could also grit blast the lantern but if the metal is thin or in poor condition I would avoid this method or use the blaster on a low pressure setting. Before you do anything I would document the lanterns condition with photos (this will help during reassembly)then disassemble and inspect the parts to see what you can reuse and what you might need to replace. The lenses if glass can be cleaned with a low grade metal polish. There are several places which sell OEM lantern parts or reproductions. Good Luck. CH Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by Craig

A. Hi Tony. Restoring RR lanterns is my passion. Can you send me some pictures? I will do my best to provide you good/accurate information. I also have a couple of people I can recommend to get parts from. cndhackett@milwpc.com Posted Tuesday, April 8, 2008 by Craig

A. If you are not knowledgeable about marker and/or classification lamps, you need to be aware that there were (original) electric lamps on locomotives fairly early in the 20th century, and over several decades of the history of the B&O. These were often the 'diver helmet' round-body style, with no chimney opening at all, but sometimes looked a lot like their kerosene-fired cousins. This also applies to switch lamps. Make sure you are not destroying an electric original if you take out the sockets.  Posted Wednesday, April 9, 2008 by RJMc

 Q1303 KC&IRT RY Marking  I found a brass heart shaped railroad lock in an old dump in the Kansas City area and it is stamped KC&IRT RY. I am trying to find what railroad the initials were for. Thanks.  Posted Monday, April 7, 2008 by BER   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The following information is from "The Trolley and Interurban Directory" by Joseph Gross. KC&IRT Ry. was Kansas City and Independence Rapid Transit Railway with 18 miles of track in KC, Missouri. They became part of the Metropolitan Street Railway in 1895. He also shows a KC & Indiana Rapid Transit Ry., with no information for that, but that might be a mistake in his list. Does anyone know if that is the case? And Terry Cox at coxrail.com shows bonds issued for the KC& Independence RT Ry.in 1889. By chance is the lock made by Wilson Bohannan? They sold a lot of locks to interurban lines throughout the country.  Posted Monday, April 7, 2008 by KM

 Q1302 Lantern Info Needed  I have been trying to find information on a railroad lantern that belonged to a family member and have looked on the internet and not been able to find anything like this one. It is/was a battery operated lantern so I am not exactly sure of the age of the lantern. the wording on top of the lantern but is not very legible. The best that I can tell it says…..HAK5RLER SOHNE ALTENBURG. Please provide any information that you may have on this lantern. I was told that it belonged to my Grandfather or Great-grandfather but with it being battery operated, I was not sure that the information was correct. I appreciate any information you can provide.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Sunday, April 6, 2008 by LG   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. It appears to be European, and Altenburg is a town in the former East German area. And there were battery operated railroad hand lanterns I have a six-volt battery operated hand lantern that was patented in 1913 in the US. So it is possible that it might be old enough to have belonged to your Great-Grandfather. Try contacting a German railway museum about it. Posted Sunday, April 6, 2008 by KM

 Q1301 Safety Pill  In the 1980's, the Burlington Northern Railroad -- predecessor to today's BNSF Railway -- developed a special 'safety pill' designed to be taken by employees to increase their awareness of safety issues. Heralded as a new 'wonder drug', the pill came in capsule form and even had a slogan printed on the side. Unfortunately in order to emphasize the slogan, the capsule had to be so big that no one could actually swallow it -- the enlarged picture shows the actual size -- and therefore its effectiveness could never be tested. Ultimately, the railroad had to revert to more traditional methods of emphasizing safety. Come to think of it, this isn't actually a question, but it *is* interesting. More on this 'pill' can be found on another page [see link].  [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by Web Editor AKA AF  Link 1     Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1300 Union Logo?  This brass plaque (its been painted black) is 9 in x 6 in. I think it may be related to the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. I can find images of the logo of the union after it added engineers, but I cannot find any images of the logo of the early, original union. Does this logo look familiar to anyone? Thanks for your assistance.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 by Ken   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. The name change happened in 1906. We have had some luck in the past with contacting the BLF&E for some answers, but I am not sure how that will work since there have been mergers of several unions. Here is a link to a UTU site that has the history of the BLF and the BLF&E.  Link 1  Posted Tuesday, April 1, 2008 by KM

 Q1299 Age of RR Marbles  I am so glad to find information on glass marbles on your site! [see link.] I have been finding them for years as I walk down the track and I have always wondered what they are. I live in Atlanta near one of the many CSX lines and I consider it a real score when I walk my dogs and find a marble. Would you know how long they were used? Are they still used? These tracks are heavily used and I would imagine that they have been graveled over many times. But they are in fact the greenish ones with dings and nicks and look like they have seen some days. I have never found the larger ones though. Just the ~1 inch ones. Thanks for the info!  Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 by Scott  Link 1     Post a Reply  Email a reply

 Q1298 RR Lighting?  Among my late father's lantern collection is this sheetmetal lantern that may be RR related. The glass chimney is missing. The screw in burner is marked Eagle. The oil reservoir is copper. Obviously the bracket with holes meant it was mounted in a fixed location. There was a piece of paper with it that noted caboose - but nothing else. He had lots of lanterns and some were railroad and other for other specialty purposes. Any help in identifying function and age would be appreciated.   [Click on image for larger version.] Posted Monday, March 31, 2008 by LG   Post a Reply  Email a reply

A. I hope that others will reply here with their opinion. I am thinking that this looks homemade. The guage of the metal in that bracket and the shield looks pretty thin. There are no markings, patent dates, manufacturer's name, RR initials on it at all? If so,that would also reinforce my opinion that it is a homemade item. How does it open up to put a chimney in it? The Eagle burner was commonly available at hardware stores and supply houses. The fount or tank and burner may have come from something else. Many years ago conductors on some roads were assigned their own cabooses, and some of them personalized them with items. This might be something like that.  Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by KM

A. There are surely no marks on it other than on the Eagle burner, but that may be later or newer as it does not seem to have as much "age" on it as the rest of it. The copper oil reservoir is very nicely crafted in copper and does not appear homemade. The lantern tin is actually heavy on the base and bracket-- thinner on the shade and shield. The whole shade/shield is a unit that is half round and just slips down between the space between the reservoir and the base making for a snug friction fit. the galvanized tin was painted with a metallic silver paint that is now mostly flaked off on the shield but not on the base. Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by LG

A. Hello ,it appears to be a egg candler. Used to separate partially developed eggs before they hit the frying pan,usually with a isinglass hole cover to keep the smell of kero. from the egg.  Posted Thursday, April 3, 2008 by MD