Looking for Doepke Yardbird equipment from the late fifties

[bigironbrian]

Hello "Big Iron" here,
Some 45 years ago when I was a boy of 6. I seen a wonderful backyard riding toy. A handcar you peddled with your hands around a forty foot circluar 7 1/2" gauge track. I had found out they were made by the Chas. Wm. Doepke manuf. co. of Rossmoyne, Ohio. I was wondering if any one out there knows of any of this equipment lying around. (handcars, switches, track sections,etc) So my children could enjoy this. Does not have to be in good shape, just good enough for a pattern. I had seen a handcar on eBay once. Thank you "Big Iron" Brian Leake, Adeline, Illinois ,former C&NW employee

[Anonymous]

Brian,
I don't know if you got any replies, but here is my two cents.
I got my first set when I was two, 48 years ago. (I not quite as old as you are)Then dad's coworker gave us another one. Supposedly the original purchase was contingent on us taking the set when his boys were tired of it. Later we picked up an electric loco and flat car with a crossing and a lot more track. Dad made two ten foot sections and a switch.
I played with it constantly, brought it out for the nephews and saving it for my kids. Well, my kids have no interest in riding it, I'm holding out for the grandkids.
All of my cousins recall it and ask about it. The nephews claim they enjoyed it. However, the few years later for mine - nothing.
We only knew of one other owner and they had a gas powered loco. I have no idea what happened to it. I thought I had the only surviving sets until I started snooping on eBay. They show up from time to time. I've contacted a few of the sellers and bidders and found that there are quite a few.
The track is very simple but not as strong as the live steam rails. The cars would be easy to make with basic sheet metal tools. The wheels are a simple casting pressed onto axles.
It would make a great garage business, but with all this instant electronic stimulation these days, the kids have little interest. I can still ride it.
Hope this helps. If there is anything I can do, let me know.
Jim,

[Curmudgeon]

Used to be a Santa Claus Village north of LA somewhere......Arrowhead?
Big Bear?
Can't remember.
Had a HUGE loop of track and a bunch of these, you'd pays your mony and you takes your chances....
It was a real trip back then....

I know what you're talking about, haven't seen one in 45-50 years.

TOC

[Anonymous]

Ask on the Yahoo Groups "Live Diesel". The have been several posts lately about the hand powered cars.

[monkeyman2]

Strasburg the Tourist railroad in PA, also has a set of these i belive.

[Anonymous]

they also have one of those rides at Knoebels Groves Amusement park , in ELYSBURG,PENNA. 17824 if you need a phone number, let me know . you don't have an e-mail listed. BEN