Does anyone have plans or detail photographs of the Stilwell, patented ca 1898, shellfish transport car? I have the patent application detail drawings however they do not have overall dimensions.
Thanks for the help,
RDA
Do you know if one was ever built? Many patents never reach production. I have never heard of such a car but don't claim to know.
There's a couple articles with photos on the net regarding the Stillwell Oyster Car. Circa 1898 developed by Arthur E. Stillwell (from which Port Arthur, Texas gets its name) the "promoter with a dream".
Stillwell's most famous "dream" is still a thriving railroad today in the form of Kansas City Southern Lines. But the oyster car was built by PULLMAN lettered for KCS predecessor Kansas City, Pittsburg & Gulf.
Actually the oyster car filled a need in the time period and was a modest success. As for more details, as in information needed to model, I'd contact the KCS Historical Society
ABD
Jacksonville,FL
A picture is here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Stillwell_Oyster_Car_1897.jpg
Enjoy
Paul
Amazing what you can find with a simple Google search. Some of you here do not like telling people to do a Google search but that is what I just did. If it works for me, it will work for others.
http://www.pullman-museum.org/theCompany/stillwell.html
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
This is a necro thread, but it makes sense to update it rather than start a new one:
An article on modeling this car was published in 2015:
https://sunrisetraildiv.com/Cannonballs/4403Fall2014.pdf
It is notable for having a near-elevation view of the side of the car, from which decent measured drawings could be taken.
Recently a laser-cut kit of the car has been produced, and it might be worthwhile to contact the company (Conowingo Models) and determine how they got their dimensions and structure.
If you have interest in this car... its relative failure in service is due to poor draft gear and bad riding trucks. A good lateral swing bolster and soft secondary suspension might have given the cargo better longevity... as would reefer icing, perhaps arranged not to dilute the salt water...