Circus Train Fans ? Check this out.

[jefelectric]

Thanks, BF.  As they say you learn something new every day.

[bfskinner]

jefelectric,

You may have been just a little late:

In August,1929, two giraffes arrived from Africa, named Neck and Neck. They had to be transported from New Hampshire to Detroit in specially constructed giraffe railroad cars. According to a News article of July 1929, the floors of two flat cars were lowered 2-1/2 feet and a small deck house was mounted on each car to afford a neck rest.

      "While the train track is clear,", the story said, "the giraffes will be permitted to stretch their necks at will and look over the scenery. As they approach a low bridge or tunnel, the (keeper) will reel in the giraffe's neck and attach it to the padded rest until the passage has been made safely. When they get to Detroit, they will have two taxis awaiting them which are actually underslung trailers ordinarily used to transport steam shovels."

Full story at http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=204&category=locations

The folks at Lionel were very creative, but even some of their seemingly fantastic items had already been invented!

[kpolak]

I was superised to see the elephants fit into these cars.  Maybe in a few years they'll open the roof ad make a bobbing head elephant! 

I finally saw the Rb&B&B cars from K-Line...I am seriously considering.

Kurt

[jefelectric]

Nice pictures Kurt. Some years ago, I think it was 2002, while on a Train America trip, via Amtrak, to Branson we passed a circus train sitting on a siding right along the main line. I was looking for the giraffe car, but never did find it.

[kpolak]

Sorry to piggyback this on your post John, but it seemed fitting:

I found these photos of Barnum and Baily cars.  I'm sure the photos are copywrited, so here's the link to the site.  http://www.trainweather.com/circustrain-johncjones.html

Kurt

[jefelectric]

The PA Railroad Musuem will be hosting the Circus Model Builders International from August 8 through 11, 2007.  If you have an interest in Circus models this should be worth your while.

http://www.rrmuseumpa.org/visitors/seasonal/circus/index.htm

BTW, the date on the page linked says 2006, but it is 2007.  The main site has the date correct.