J. Normand Martin
Expo '67 Models
Comments
From John Atkinson:
Here’s an interesting twist in how 1 inch scale model railroad equipment was funded for construction.
From the Obituary link below, it states that in 1966, J. Normand Martin accepted a commission from the State of Maine to design and fabricate a large-scale model of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad train engine and cars to promote Maine industry at the World’s Fair in Montreal, known as “Expo ’67”. The train ran on track he designed to loop in and outside the Maine Pavilion, and became an enormous attraction for the millions who attended that summer.
From J. Normand Martin obituary, <www.tribunearchive.com
- In 1966, he accepted a commission from the State of Maine to design and fabricate a large-scale model of the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad train engine and cars to promote Maine industry at the World’s Fair in Montreal, known as “Expo ’67”. The train ran on track he designed to loop in and outside the Maine Pavilion, and became an enormous attraction for the millions who attended that summer.
The railroad project seems to also serve as an example of someone who built a brand new “present day” locomotive at the same time the real thing was introduced. GP-38 locomotives debuted in 1966.
The attached scan from October 1970 Model Railroader Magazine and other photos shows the very interesting locomotive drive train arrangement. Being a “motor man”, I recognize the shunt wound D.C. motor as an open drip proof Reliance in a 56H frame configuration. The open port seen on the side of the motor is for access to the carbon brushes. It’s possibly a 90 volt motor rated at 1/4 HP, but it could also be a 1/6 HP. How power was ultimately fed to the motor would be interesting to know.
