Before Trainz

Very cool.

My cousins' grandfather used to make these. We we'd go over to visit their grand parents, I'd go down to his workshop to see his trains and stationary steamers. He had a whole metal workshop in his basement like this guy does in the video.

John
 
Thank you for linking to this video. I was riveted for the whole 14 minutes. A couple of observations.

1. Did anyone notice that all the guys were wearing ties? My, how times have changed.

2. About three minutes into the clip I concluded that Mr. Shattock must have been a bachelor. However, a woman appeared, with children. A monument should be constructed for this lady. Imagine, a woman who would tolerate LIVE STEAM bomblets in the basement at 1/2 inch to the foot. My last layout was in HO in a detached garage, and that was a bone of contention.:hehe:

Wonderful video, Superfudd. Thank you.

Bernie
 
Hi Bernie,

I know Mr Shattock's grandson Ken Shattock. He is a bit of an historian, particularly when it comes to trollies and such here in the San Francisco bay area.
There is also a part 2 of this video. Did you see it?
 
Hi Fudd,

No, I missed part two. I'm going to hunt for it now. Thanks for mentioning it. It is funny. I was born and raised in Oakland and may have lived within inches of this guy. How can it be that one would be within such close quarters yet in total ignorance of it.:wave: By any chance is this family related in some way with the family for whom Shattuck Avenue is named? I realize the spelling is different, but sometimes the spelling gets mangled with the passage of time.

Bernie
 
Last edited:
Biggest mystery to me is "how do you control them?" At least on the ones you can ride on you can reach in a operate valves and so forth...
 
Biggest mystery to me is "how do you control them?" At least on the ones you can ride on you can reach in a operate valves and so forth...

I was wondering the same thing. In those days they didn't have R/C control like we have today.

John
 
Mr. Shattock is quite a guy

Apparently there is quite a history regarding Mr. Shattock. Quite a guy, and I wonder if he could have foreseen he would be an icon among train nuts like us! And by the way: Always a tie! Polio aside, I'll take the '30s any time.

Bernie

A Shattock search will yield many rewarding results.
 
Back
Top