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.
Paul Bunyan Statue
From Facebook:
- City of Bangor, Maine - City Hall
- The City of Bangor expresses its condolences to the family of J. Normand Martin who passed away on Friday at the age of 95 years old.
In January, Mr. Martin was formally recognized by the City Council for his contribution to the City of Bangor. More than six decades ago, Martin was commissioned by the City to design the iconic Paul Bunyan statue that stands on Main Street. He was paid $137 to design the 22-inch clay model that took months to create. Martin held that model in his lap all the way to New York City, hopeful that a well-known company, Messmoor & Damon, could replicate it. They did so and donated it to the City of Bangor in 1959- in time for the celebration of the City’s 125th anniversary. The 31-foot high fiberglass-over-metal statue of the legendary lumberjack has been standing guard over the Queen City ever since.
- Thank you, Mr. Martin. You will be fondly remembered.
