Description
This article is from the Model Trains
FAQ, by Christopher D Coleman with numerous contributions by
others.
06 Collectable Model Train Manufacturers: C
CARLISLE & FINCH
The Carlisle and Finch Company was founded in Cincinnati, OH in
1894.sThey began production of an electric train line in 1896
using threesrail track, then shortly converting to two rail
track. Initialsproducts included only trollies but expanded to
include an entiresline. C&F trains were heavy and detailed
catering to the high endsmarket. C&F was the earliest leader in
US train production until beingsovertaken by Ives.
CLASSIC MODEL TRAINS
Makers of standard gauge locomotives
PO Box 179
Phone: 216-772-5177
COHEN
Founded by James Cohen, it produced standard gauge stamped steel
equipment.
Cohen
PO Box 174
Trumbull, CT 06611
COLBER
Founders Antony Collett and William Burke initially started in
thesappliance business in New York, NY, and later began repairing
trainssas a Lionel service station. In 1946 Trains became their
primarysbusiness as they became the Train Center of America, and
grew to besthe largest Lionel distributor in the East. Unable to
stock trainssfast enough to meet demand, they began making low
price versions ofsLionel accessories in 1948 as Colber
Manufacturing Company. Theirsversions included beacon and
floodlight towers, watchman's shanty,sstreet lights, and wig-wag
signal.
Colber received a stern warning from Lionel concerning their
packagingsin 1950, concerning that it was a near copy of
Lionel's, which led tosits modification. During 1951-54 Colber
supplied Flyer with severalsaccessories in addition to its own
line by using different nameplatessand plastic colors. By 1954
Flyer no longer needed Colber's help andsthe toy train market was
shrinking so Colber decided to leave thesmarket. They sold their
dies to Marx, who primarily wanted them out ofsthe market, and
switched to electronic components, which it stillsmakes today.
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recreation, model trains, tinplate, trains, collectible, car, transformer, locomotive, switches, tracks, railroad, railway, manufacturer, collecting, maintenance
