While doing a random search, i noticed that Circuses traveling by rail was really common, and it didn't seem like any of them owned their own motive power, just flat cars, coaches and other rolling stock used to transport the show. Did any circus have their own motive power, as in steam engines or diesels? Pictures of these locomotives (if any) would be great!

From what I've seen, Bachmann Sells the 3776 class 4-8-4, thinking 3783 and 3784 (the one i own) are the 2 road numbers available currently. The famous 3751 is the same wheel base but belongs to a different breed of loco (stat wise).

Thanks everyone for the help, like i said earlier, this is mainly plain out curiosity, so nothing could probably drive me away from the idea.

Skarloey: as for the narrow gauge equipment, it does need to meet Modern day standards, but it can't be interchanged because of it not being the same gauge as most railroads. I remember my grandpa playing train simulator and when he got off he'd let me run. When he came back, he would say "you know, i don't even know how that's possible, the wheels are inside the gauge." and indeed they were! in real life, i think more harm would be done then just a couple of laughs, probably be equivalent to dragging a derailed car, not a good thing.

Was talking with a couple of friends from the local model railroad club (CV&WS in Olmsted Falls, Ohio)on Sunday and the subject was restoring stuff. I said i personally would like to restore C&O 2707, a 2-8-4 that used to be in Cleveland ohio... but that's probably a dream that will doubtfully come true (never said i gave up hope  ), but anyway, the chat reminded me of these 3 IC cabooses I've filmed last year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iF_0J-okUoE&feature=plcp

I was wondering, how much would it probably cost to restore them (interior and outside) to running condition. I have some experience with grinding and know its not something that happens over night. i forgot if they were rolling or friction bearing trucks, but just for the sake of the subject, lets say they're friction bearing. Would try to make some money by renting them to scenic railroads and what not.

Any ideas would be great!

You can never have too many critters running around! 

Its spam, but I've never seen this much! General discussion got bombed with it too.

Some eBay sellers are registered, I know TheFavoriteSpot is one of them.

heres that site i was talking about

http://www.pegnsean.net/~railwayseries/engines.htm

Quote from: Cupix the Azelf on May 21, 2012, 02:08:06 AM
You really think Bachmann's going to have the time to make all the realistic body classes of the Thomas range?

did you forget that Bachmann also sells British locomotives, I for one have given some thought about this idea, seeing how Bachmann can make this work.... then it hit me, Thomas is an E-2. What if Bachmann were to release regular models with the option of a Thomas model with no face? So it would basically be painted to look like Thomas without his face. I started to think this was a very clever idea. James isn't exactly British but an Australian 2-6-0 if memory serves correct. a website called "the real lives of Thomas the tank engine and friends" should explain the rest.

Good idea, there's no doubting that, its just that there probably isn't enough popularity to sell it. your probably better off seeing Bachmann doing a special 1 year release of a Thomas model like that. now, let me explain. the first major problem isn't Bachmann... HITT entertainment (or whoever currently owns the rights to Thomas the tank engine) has the final say what Bachmann makes. I'm sure Bachmann can offer suggestions, and probably get some say, but the owner of the rights has the final say in the end. we could probably see Hank if the owner really wanted him on the market. But anyway, another reason is because the main market of the Thomas products is young kids, and probably only a handful probably know or even care about the history the series is based off of. Members on this board would agree with this. what they see on TV is usually what they want. Now, if the market was for older model railroaders, like mid teens and beyond, the chance of seeing something like your idea would greatly increase. it just might happen, but it has a small chance... but I'm sure Bachmann will mention your idea, and you never know, it could be approved for the 2013 catalog. 

Terry, yep i believe that's the new elephant car they got.

Thanks for the comments!

I'm sure most people are aware that the ringling bros and Barnum & Bailey travels by train. I was on the computer talking to some friends and all that fun stuff then i saw a chat on a local train group about the Red unit (there's a red unit and a blue unit) was due for the Chicago line to go to Albany, New York. A friend about 20 miles west of me said a train was coming eastbound on the Ex. NKP, and i knew of a spot i wanted to film but never got the chance to. Ignoring the weather, i biked about a mile down the track to Mile post 191. after 10 minutes of waiting, it started to rain and i was starting to think of turning back. I didn't thankfully, and about 30 minutes later, I see a light and get my camera ready. As soon as the train was 2 blocks away, all i could think was "that's a strange looking auto rack..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRe8ZUlcXiU&list=UUs4YMd6QdOPf3spoIYhDPwg&feature=plcp

First time catching the Circus Train, and not exactly the weather i wanted... but i'll take it anyway 

every now and then you might want to clean the wheels, the club i go to has been up everyone's you know what about it. its good to clean them every now and then (im talking months, not days or weeks). usually it does help, i've had weekends where I'd pull out 2 CSX locos and haul a line of 20-25 cars over a paper towel and you would be surprised how much dirt it got! but they hadn't been cleaned for 7 months at least 

Agreed with RW James. the problem with steel alloy is it gathers dirt a lot more than nickel silver.

Was looking at a picture of what looks to be a WP GS-4, and notice it had elephant ears. I thought this was odd, cause i thought GS-4s were just Southern pacific and they never had them.

http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/WP481.JPG

Also noticed that NYC seemed to be a fan of elephant ears and union pacific has them on 844. Whats the purpose of these?

Also, what are the pros and cons about them?