Mystery Department

It is inevitable that we come across track items that just stump us - but somewhere out there is someone who may have the answer - and if you do - do please get in touch. If any visitor has a piece they would like to contribute, let's put it up and see if we hear from anyone.

7. Submitted by Brian Wright: "I believe the track to be H0 gauge and is US made from 1947. I say US made and 1947, because of the phrase "PROV PAT 23765/47", stamped on underside. I understand that is a US term for a Provisional Patent in 1947. The track is on a plywood base, painted green sides and brown top. Straights measure 6 5/8 x 1 3/8 inch, while 16 curves make a circle about 32 inch diameter. Steel rails (no rust!), sections connect together by brass pins" and "the only special pieces are:

  • A homemade(?) level crossing made by adding 2 pieces of Aluminium sheet for the vehicle ramps. I say homemade because they don't have the same 'professional feel' to them, however the paint matches, so perhaps the sections are home painted? I agree that they way that the hollow section, extruded(?) lengths of rail are set into the bases is very well done, too well done to be done at home I would say. Hollow section to take the Brass 'joiner' pins.
  • A power connecting bend, a piece of matching ply on the outside curve, with 2 knurled nuts to hold the wires. Also a length of copper sheet on the underside to reach the inside rail."
Provisional Patent number

Provisional Patent number

Solved: This track is from a train set produced by HUGAR during WWII, and it is UK, not US. The train is a Southern Railway electric train and everything is mostly made of wood. The Train Collectors Society Any Make, Any Age, Any Gauge. (UK)

6. Submitted by George Lauderbaugh. Gauge 0 track standard 9mm height.  The "outside" holes and the tie clamp design suggest this should be American Flyer. (The tie-pin arrangement is 3-0, whereas American Flyer is 2-1, but the pins appear of different designs, so that is not helpful one way or the other.) On the other hand there is no camber and no characteristic "step" in the tie. And why would a manufacturer punch four holes in its ties? It is possible that any or all holes were punched "at home", but if so, it was an expert job. It looks if this ought to be American Flyer, but is it?