Saturday, October 21, 2006

Ringling-Barnum 1941 #1(Eric Beheim Collection)


Ringling-Barnum 1941 #1 (Eric Beheim Collection)

Posted by Buckles at 10/21/2006 08:24:00 AM

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those old steel rims on the wagons reminded me how the shows had to put up a bond for street repairs. On a hot day those heavy wagons could make some pretty good ruts in the asphalt.

Pete

21 October, 2006 09:42
Anonymous said...

I believe, in research you will find that it wasn't the wagon wheels that were the problem, but the steel grip pads on the Caterpillars. Some shows had to have 'dolly trailers' to get them to and from. Also they put rubber pads on them and they usually passed inspection.

21 October, 2006 14:36
Anonymous said...

Certainly the steel wheels were a problem when they started tarring roads and the hard rubber was an answer and then of course balloon tires. But the baloon tires were not good for use on the train. They would bounce out of the chalks and blow when hitting the sides of the runs,etc. When we were loading the Baraboo-Milwaukee train we liked the hard rubber wagons best,and they were easier to pole. When old time transpotation Deacon Blanchfield was with us for a few years in Baraboo he told me that when the show ,[Ringling] went to baloon tires he would buy or replace some thirty tires every day. Thats why those little farm type tractors used for loading the train always had dual wheels in back. If one blew you could keep right on going. Nothing stopped the circus.

21 October, 2006 14:58
Anonymous said...

As I recall in the days I spent on Cole Bros. on rails they always tried unloading all the equipment and when a cop car would stop a wagon on the street the Fixer would be on the scene with free ducats or some scratch in his pocket. A good fixer or patch could save the show alot of money.I recall seeing a documetary when sitting on the lot Dory Miller was being interviewed. Allof a sudden the 24 hour man and some official town guy came up as the show was being set up. It seemed that part of the lot was on some railroad property that was not included inthe lot agreement. The official advised Dory that they would get some sort of injunction against the circus at the courthouse. Dory asked what time does the courthouse open in the morning and they said 9 AM. Dory, with his chew of Redman while spitting said "Go ahead and set up. and continued with the interview.

21 October, 2006 16:47
Anonymous said...

I saw that story. DR said by the time the courthouse got through the paperwork the show would already be gone to the next town Those were the days my friend, its a shame they had to end.

21 October, 2006 19:00
Anonymous said...

From Eric:

The 1941 loading order identifies these wagons as #66 Wardrobe Dept. wagon, #122 yellow Ticket wagon (converted over to pneumatic tires), #147 ex-Barnes-Sells Floto dog wagon, and #141, wagon containing an automobile. That season, the flat cars were painted aluminum with "Ringling red" lettering.

22 October, 2006 12:11
Anonymous said...

Does anyone remember "SNOW TIRES"? Just as soon as I got mine paid off they were outlawed in Illinois. Tore up the roads was the reason given.

22 October, 2006 22:43

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