I'm looking for any photos of Espee Jordan Spreaders that are dated from the 40s through the 50s. Unless I missed one, SP spreader photos that I can find under Google Images and under the many SP sites all seem to be from recent decades. The oldest thing from their roster that I can imagine so far is a pic of Overland's HO brass model of MW4033 but don't know the date of the prototype that was used for its design. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? I'd like to match up the old Walthers 932-5353 kit (perhaps with the Custom Finishing 247-317 low plow mod) with what was likely yarded along with SP's older steam rotaries.
Cheers, the Bear.
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
Wow, Bear, I've hit the jackpot! Especially appreciated are the history notes along with the sites you've provided. It's evident that there's a lot of bashing ahead at this point, a clue to that being found in the note toward the bottom of the Espee Modeler's site, which indicates that the Walthers kit doesn't resemble the SP spreaders. Looks like the Sacramento shops did a lot to the back end. One benefit is that two of the spreaders are here in Oregon, one just 30 minutes away! I can do my own photos, now. This is very appreciated. Good on ya'!
BTW, I note your location. Are you a big All Blacks follower? I played fullback some years ago at Michigan State University and then toted a whistle for a few more. Actually, "some" is MANY. Game's a tad bit different now, especially the way the big boys play it!
John
Attuvian I played fullback some years ago at Michigan State University and then toted a whistle for a few more.
Not so sure the game has changed for the better!
AttuvianOne benefit is that two of the spreaders are here in Oregon, one just 30 minutes away!
it would be a satisfying scratchbuild
I agree with Bear! At first glance the spreaders appear to be rather complex but in fact they are built out of relatively simple components. Evergreen has all the shapes needed to duplicate the exposed framing and the rest is flat sheet, with the exception of the top of the nose plow. For the curved bits, .005" brass sheet would do quite nicely. Just roll in around the handle of your X-acto knife.
I did a Roundhouse 3 in 1 kit version a while ago. It is crude (I didn't know any better at the time), and it could be far better detailed, but it conveys the message:
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!