Clockwork Trains

Clockwork trains also known as windup trains are powered by a spring drive. They require no fuel or electricity. Winding a key you are storing potential energy in a very long piece of steel. A rachet is used on the winding shaft to keep the spring from unwinding until you need to use it. As the piece of steel unwinds, the energy is returned through the wheels to propel the locomotive along the track. In order to use the energy, the unwinding spring goes through some sort of gearbox to increase the speed, and a governor to control the speed at which the spring is unwound. (From the web site Clockwork in the Garden http://www.oocities.org/clockworkpage@rogers.com/)

I have always enjoyed the look of old tin plate trains but never was willing to pay the high prices until I found clockwork trains. They can be bought fairly cheap on ebay or at train shows. I started collecting clockwork trains about a year ago. I wanted something that could be run during the winter months indoors. I started working on a small indoor layout using all tin plate structures and accessories. I want it to have that old fashion look. Most of my tin plate are well used. I didn't really want anything new looking, I also like that well used look. Below is a sample of what I have acquired so far. Im still learning about each one and the years they were built. If anyone has anything to add please email me so I can get the correct information.

Collection

The Marx Commodore Vanderbilt also known as the VB was produced from 1935-1948. Both of these have a forward and reverse as well as a bell that sounds when running. The one in the back was my first windup. It came wih a tender, boxcar, tank car, gondola and a caboose. The CV in the for ground came with three red passenger cars in the originally box.

This is an American Flyer. Looking at the catalog I believe it is a #1. Im not sure of the date it was made.

This is an Ives #17. Made in 1916 I believe. I got this at a train show. Its missing the tender but I hope someday I can find the correct one. It has a lever in the cab that when released makes the motor go.

This is a Hornby Passenger set I had bought off ebay. I really don't know much about this one, year it was made or type. It is a great running engine and unlike the others its made from tin and held together with metal tabs.

Here is another Hornby I had bought at a train show. Its very similar to the above with the exception of it being larger and has forward and reverse levers in the cab.

This is a Karl Bub engine. It was made in Germany early 1900's. I believe it originally came with a tender and two passenger cars. Hopefully someday I will be able to find the tender and cars to complete the set.

My newest addition. I replica of a 1920's Paya mining train.

The three Marx Pullman cars came with the above VB in the original box. I believe the car on the left called the Montclair, was not part of the set. This was one of the earlier Pullmans Marx made. The other two are the later versions and called the Bogota.

The two Pullman cars called the Sunshine Special are made by Hafner. I had bought these off ebay and hope to get the engine that goes with them.

I really like this little tin plate crane car. It is made by Marx. It is in very good condition.