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Electric Traction Subway Model

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this amazingly detailed model is a near exact replica of a full size wooden subway car that has been on exhibit at the Brooklyn Transit Museum and appears to have been a fully functional self powered car with third wheel power shoes as it has a scale electric motor, switch control and resister set up which suggests it was made as demonstration model; the cast iron wheels were made by the W.W. Doty Co. at 43 Cortland St., in New York City - the company name is on the wheels in raised letters; the model sits on that is much like present day railroads though there is no third rail; the exterior of the coach is near identical to cars pictured in period photographs of the elevated railroads of the early 20th century in New York which by 1903 had been electrified; it is thought that this is a demonstration model that preceded the electrification and that embodied the multiple-unit system patented by Frank J. Sprague who sold his rights to the MU system to General Electric in 1902; the model is 41" long, 14" wide and 16" l. and weighs about 70 pounds; the level of detail is amazing: most of the windows retain original glazing and the clearestory had stained red glass - most still in place -- offered along with the model is an extensive library of material related to early mass transit, 41" l.

very good to excellent

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