The Hoffman Hudson Story - Revision history

Dnevil at 21:17, 31 July 2025

2025-07-31T21:17:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 31 July 2025
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	Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.		Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.

			[[File:CAHoffman Modeltec May1984.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|C. A. Hoffman advertisement in the first issue of Modeltec magazine, May 1984.]]

Dnevil at 19:19, 2 October 2022

2022-10-02T19:19:22Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:19, 2 October 2022
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	It is not known if this was the start of the Hoffman Hudson as the Hoffman and Josslin designs are quite different requiring different patterns to be made.		It is not known if this was the start of the Hoffman Hudson as the Hoffman and Josslin designs are quite different requiring different patterns to be made.

	Frank Birch later moved from the USA to Canada in the early 1950’s where he worked for General Motors in Windsor in the plant toolroom. He died in Essex, Ontario in 1982. He was 93. For many years he ran his locomotives on the [[Sun Parlour Lines]] track in Windsor. Frank Birch built quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.		Frank Birch later moved from the USA to Canada in the early 1950’s where he worked for General Motors in Windsor in the plant toolroom. He died in Essex, Ontario in 1982. He was 93. For many years he ran his locomotives on the [[Windsor Ontario Live Steam Club\|Sun Parlour Lines]] track in Windsor. Frank Birch built quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.

	[[File:55 Frank Birch in the Early 1960's.JPG\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 5. Frank Birch, from 1959 the [[Model Engineer]] letters to the editor]]		[[File:55 Frank Birch in the Early 1960's.JPG\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 5. Frank Birch, from 1959 the [[Model Engineer]] letters to the editor]]

Dnevil at 14:51, 7 May 2021

2021-05-07T14:51:09Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:51, 7 May 2021
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	[[File:25 Carl Hoffman's 1967 Thornridge Crescent Track.jpg\|Carl Hoffman’s Thornridge Crescent ground level track in 1967. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hoffman\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 2. Carl Hoffman’s Thornridge Crescent ground level track in 1967. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hoffman.]]		[[File:25 Carl Hoffman's 1967 Thornridge Crescent Track.jpg\|Carl Hoffman’s Thornridge Crescent ground level track in 1967. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hoffman\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 2. Carl Hoffman’s Thornridge Crescent ground level track in 1967. Photo courtesy of Bruce Hoffman.]]

	Around 1967 Carl met [[James Turnbull]] from Montreal at one of the club meets in Toronto. Jim sparked Carl’s interest in the larger gauge locomotives. Carl approached Pioneer Village in Doon to build a 7.25 inch gauge track. His proposal was accepted and eventually an 1100 foot long track was constructed. The track was started in late 1968 and finished in 1969. When the park was expanded and a firehall built on the track site, Carl moved from Doon to St. Agatha in 1972. A new 7.25 inch gauge track was constructed on a rented 5 acre site located in the country. The photo of Carl is at St. Agatha in 1975.		Around 1967 Carl met [[Jim Turnbull\|James Turnbull]] from Montreal at one of the club meets in Toronto. Jim sparked Carl’s interest in the larger gauge locomotives. Carl approached Pioneer Village in Doon to build a 7.25 inch gauge track. His proposal was accepted and eventually an 1100 foot long track was constructed. The track was started in late 1968 and finished in 1969. When the park was expanded and a firehall built on the track site, Carl moved from Doon to St. Agatha in 1972. A new 7.25 inch gauge track was constructed on a rented 5 acre site located in the country. The photo of Carl is at St. Agatha in 1975.

	[[File:49 Carl Hoffman at St. Agatha Track in 1975.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 3. The gentleman sitting in the first rail car is George Molson Barrett, inventor, professional shop mechanic, model maker and technical writer aka “Le Compté de Millimetres” but that is another story. Photo courtesy of Todd Michel, Bluewater Society of Model Engineers.]]		[[File:49 Carl Hoffman at St. Agatha Track in 1975.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 3. The gentleman sitting in the first rail car is George Molson Barrett, inventor, professional shop mechanic, model maker and technical writer aka “Le Compté de Millimetres” but that is another story. Photo courtesy of Todd Michel, Bluewater Society of Model Engineers.]]

Dnevil at 18:33, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T18:33:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:33, 3 May 2021
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	The Hoffman Hudson design, although not marketed today, still exists. Bruce Hoffman retained all of the original patterns and drawings. As of November, 2009, Don Carr of the [[Toronto Society of Model Engineers]] (TSME) purchased everything which remained in ¾ inch scale including the complete Hoffman Hudson design, drawings, patterns, castings and passenger car equipment. Besides the Hudson, there were other patterns and castings included, all in 3/4 inch scale. He plans to continue the tradition started by [[Frank Birch]] and developed by [[Carl Hoffman]].		The Hoffman Hudson design, although not marketed today, still exists. Bruce Hoffman retained all of the original patterns and drawings. As of November, 2009, Don Carr of the [[Toronto Society of Model Engineers]] (TSME) purchased everything which remained in ¾ inch scale including the complete Hoffman Hudson design, drawings, patterns, castings and passenger car equipment. Besides the Hudson, there were other patterns and castings included, all in 3/4 inch scale. He plans to continue the tradition started by [[Frank Birch]] and developed by [[Carl Hoffman]].

	Don has said he ~~will make the~~ Hoffman Hudson ~~commercially available again but it will~~ be ~~some time in the future as he is now working on new and expanded product items for the Hudson~~.		Don has said he can help anyone working on or who has a partially completed Hoffman Hudson. He may be reached at <i>carrdo66@gmail.com</i>

	[[File:4 Don Carr in Workshop - July, 2010 with J. Crookall Hudson Chassis.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 10. Don Carr in 2010 in his workshop with a Hudson chassis]]		[[File:4 Don Carr in Workshop - July, 2010 with J. Crookall Hudson Chassis.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 10. Don Carr in 2010 in his workshop with a Hudson chassis]]

Dnevil at 03:26, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T03:26:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:26, 2 May 2021
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	At that time, someone in Detroit started making loose patterns and model drawings for a NYC Hudson which was never completed. [[Frank Birch]], a Canadian, who was living in Essex County (Essex County is located near Windsor, Ontario) at the time took over the project and finished the set of patterns. Birch then made a beautiful detailed Hudson from the patterns.		At that time, someone in Detroit started making loose patterns and model drawings for a NYC Hudson which was never completed. [[Frank Birch]], a Canadian, who was living in Essex County (Essex County is located near Windsor, Ontario) at the time took over the project and finished the set of patterns. Birch then made a beautiful detailed Hudson from the patterns.

	[[File:21 Frank Birch Hudson.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 4. Photo courtesy of the Model Engineer, Postbag, 27 August, 1959.]]		[[File:21 Frank Birch Hudson.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 4. Photo courtesy of the [[Model Engineer]], Postbag, 27 August, 1959.]]

	[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.		[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.
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	Frank Birch later moved from the USA to Canada in the early 1950’s where he worked for General Motors in Windsor in the plant toolroom. He died in Essex, Ontario in 1982. He was 93. For many years he ran his locomotives on the [[Sun Parlour Lines]] track in Windsor. Frank Birch built quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.		Frank Birch later moved from the USA to Canada in the early 1950’s where he worked for General Motors in Windsor in the plant toolroom. He died in Essex, Ontario in 1982. He was 93. For many years he ran his locomotives on the [[Sun Parlour Lines]] track in Windsor. Frank Birch built quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.

	[[File:55 Frank Birch in the Early 1960's.JPG\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 5. Frank Birch, from 1959 [[~~The~~ Model Engineer]] letters to the editor]]		[[File:55 Frank Birch in the Early 1960's.JPG\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 5. Frank Birch, from 1959 the [[Model Engineer]] letters to the editor]]

	Carl bought the finished set of loose patterns and drawings from Frank Birch in the fall of 1964 and started the work of putting them on matchplates as local foundries had stopped casting from loose patterns. This effort took quite a while and it was only in 1968-69 when the conversion to matchplates was complete. Carl started advertising the Hoffman Hudson in the early 1970’s in Live Steam and 1983 was the last year he advertised there. For a couple of years in the 1970’s Carl advertised in the Model Engineer as well. Bruce Hoffman recollects that about 25 complete sets of plans and castings were sold. Many more drawing sets and individual castings were sold (such as drivers and cylinders) presumably to persons building to their own designs or were adapted to other Hudson model locomotives such as the CPR or CNR Hudsons.		Carl bought the finished set of loose patterns and drawings from Frank Birch in the fall of 1964 and started the work of putting them on matchplates as local foundries had stopped casting from loose patterns. This effort took quite a while and it was only in 1968-69 when the conversion to matchplates was complete. Carl started advertising the Hoffman Hudson in the early 1970’s in Live Steam and 1983 was the last year he advertised there. For a couple of years in the 1970’s Carl advertised in the Model Engineer as well. Bruce Hoffman recollects that about 25 complete sets of plans and castings were sold. Many more drawing sets and individual castings were sold (such as drivers and cylinders) presumably to persons building to their own designs or were adapted to other Hudson model locomotives such as the CPR or CNR Hudsons.

Dnevil at 03:21, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T03:21:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:21, 2 May 2021
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	For the past several years, Don has been describing the construction of both Hoffman and Josslin type NYC Hudson’s and Hudson related topics in 3/4 inch scale on the web under the author name of “carrdo”. See http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/. Look under “Live Steam”.		For the past several years, Don has been describing the construction of both Hoffman and Josslin type NYC Hudson’s and Hudson related topics in 3/4 inch scale on the web under the author name of “carrdo”. See http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/. Look under “Live Steam”.

	[[File:109 My Partially Completed Hoffman NYC Hudson - July, 2010.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|A partially completed Hoffman Hudson with Reg. Miller steel boiler.]]		[[File:109 My Partially Completed Hoffman NYC Hudson - July, 2010.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 11. A partially completed Hoffman Hudson with Reg. Miller steel boiler.]]

	Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.		Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.

Dnevil at 03:21, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T03:21:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:21, 2 May 2021
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	Don has said he will make the Hoffman Hudson commercially available again but it will be some time in the future as he is now working on new and expanded product items for the Hudson.		Don has said he will make the Hoffman Hudson commercially available again but it will be some time in the future as he is now working on new and expanded product items for the Hudson.

	For the past several years, Don has been describing the construction of both Hoffman and Josslin type NYC Hudson’s and Hudson related topics in ¾ inch scale on the web under the author name of “carrdo”. See http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/. Look under “Live Steam”.		[[File:4 Don Carr in Workshop - July, 2010 with J. Crookall Hudson Chassis.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 10. Don Carr in 2010 in his workshop with a Hudson chassis]]

			For the past several years, Don has been describing the construction of both Hoffman and Josslin type NYC Hudson’s and Hudson related topics in 3/4 inch scale on the web under the author name of “carrdo”. See http://www.chaski.org/homemachinist/. Look under “Live Steam”.

			[[File:109 My Partially Completed Hoffman NYC Hudson - July, 2010.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|A partially completed Hoffman Hudson with Reg. Miller steel boiler.]]

	Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.		Carl and Bruce were involved with and had many additional locomotives besides the ¾ inch scale Hoffman Hudson. There was the ¾ inch scale Baltimore and Ohio P-7 Pacific, the ¾ inch scale Fred Bohn Union Pacific 4-6-6-4 articulated Challenger and Bohn’s 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC 999, the Roedding/Douglas 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge NYC J-1e Hudson, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge CNR U2c Northern, the 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch Gauge Grand Trunk American and several 1-1/2 inch scale, 7.25 inch gauge diesel locomotives and much passenger car equipment but that is another story entirely.

Dnevil at 03:16, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T03:16:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 2 May 2021
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	At the time, Reg. Miller worked for Clark Forklift in St. Thomas in the engineering department. He had access to the manufacturing facilities for bending and welding. The steel boilers were made exactly to the Hoffman copper boiler print. Reg. never had a Hoffman Hudson himself but he did, once, complete a partially built Hoffman Hudson which utilized his boiler. Reg. also fabricated a couple of Hoffman Northern boilers which were in effect stretched Hudson’s. All that exists of this little known design is a Northern frame pattern which is in the possession of the author, all other components being standard Hudson parts.		At the time, Reg. Miller worked for Clark Forklift in St. Thomas in the engineering department. He had access to the manufacturing facilities for bending and welding. The steel boilers were made exactly to the Hoffman copper boiler print. Reg. never had a Hoffman Hudson himself but he did, once, complete a partially built Hoffman Hudson which utilized his boiler. Reg. also fabricated a couple of Hoffman Northern boilers which were in effect stretched Hudson’s. All that exists of this little known design is a Northern frame pattern which is in the possession of the author, all other components being standard Hudson parts.

	[[File:59 Reg. Miller at McJannet's Picnic Aug. 2010 (Reg. made many of the Hoffman Welded Steel Boilers - I have one of his Welded Steel Boilers).jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Reg. Miller at the Miniature Power Products Picnic August, 2010.]]		[[File:59 Reg. Miller at McJannet's Picnic Aug. 2010 (Reg. made many of the Hoffman Welded Steel Boilers - I have one of his Welded Steel Boilers).jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 6. Reg. Miller at the Miniature Power Products Picnic August, 2010.]]

	All of the brass/bronze castings used in the Hoffman Hudson were produced at the Riverside foundry located in New Hamburg. The foundry still exists today although now it is a lot bigger. All of the iron castings were produced in the Link Belt foundry located in Elmira. The Link Belt foundry is no longer in existence.		All of the brass/bronze castings used in the Hoffman Hudson were produced at the Riverside foundry located in New Hamburg. The foundry still exists today although now it is a lot bigger. All of the iron castings were produced in the Link Belt foundry located in Elmira. The Link Belt foundry is no longer in existence.

Dnevil at 03:11, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T03:11:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:11, 2 May 2021
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	[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.		[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.

	Frank Birch later moved from Canada to the ~~USA~~. He died in ~~Detroit~~, ~~Michigan around 1980~~. For many years he ~~would come back to Windsor, Ontario and run~~ his locomotives on the Sun Parlour Lines track. [[Frank Birch~~]] made~~ quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.		Starting way back in the late 1920’s Frank Birch was advertising O-gauge and and 1/2 inch scale American type locomotives as well as a range of other live steam engines and fittings in [[The Modelmaker]] from his address at Hazel Park Station in Royal Oak, Michigan. In the early 1930’s he began to advertise a “New Hudson” type passenger locomotive in 3/4 inch scale.

			In the October 26, 1933 Issue of the <i>Model Engineer and Practical Electrician</i> there is a substantial article by [[LBSC]] describing a new 3/4 inch scale NYC J-1a/b 5200 Hudson design by [[James Alick Josslin\|J. A. (Alex) Josslin]] of Toronto, Canada. In the article, it is stated by [[LBSC]] that Frank Birch “can supply Canadian and American builders direct with everything they need” in relation to this design.

			It is not known if this was the start of the Hoffman Hudson as the Hoffman and Josslin designs are quite different requiring different patterns to be made.

			Frank Birch later moved from the USA to Canada in the early 1950’s where he worked for General Motors in Windsor in the plant toolroom. He died in Essex, Ontario in 1982. He was 93. For many years he ran his locomotives on the [[Sun Parlour Lines]] track in Windsor. Frank Birch built quite a few other locomotives besides the NYC Hudson, mostly to English designs.

			[[File:55 Frank Birch in the Early 1960's.JPG\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 5. Frank Birch, from 1959 [[The Model Engineer]] letters to the editor]]

	Carl bought the finished set of loose patterns and drawings from Frank Birch in the fall of 1964 and started the work of putting them on matchplates as local foundries had stopped casting from loose patterns. This effort took quite a while and it was only in 1968-69 when the conversion to matchplates was complete. Carl started advertising the Hoffman Hudson in the early 1970’s in Live Steam and 1983 was the last year he advertised there. For a couple of years in the 1970’s Carl advertised in the Model Engineer as well. Bruce Hoffman recollects that about 25 complete sets of plans and castings were sold. Many more drawing sets and individual castings were sold (such as drivers and cylinders) presumably to persons building to their own designs or were adapted to other Hudson model locomotives such as the CPR or CNR Hudsons.		Carl bought the finished set of loose patterns and drawings from Frank Birch in the fall of 1964 and started the work of putting them on matchplates as local foundries had stopped casting from loose patterns. This effort took quite a while and it was only in 1968-69 when the conversion to matchplates was complete. Carl started advertising the Hoffman Hudson in the early 1970’s in Live Steam and 1983 was the last year he advertised there. For a couple of years in the 1970’s Carl advertised in the Model Engineer as well. Bruce Hoffman recollects that about 25 complete sets of plans and castings were sold. Many more drawing sets and individual castings were sold (such as drivers and cylinders) presumably to persons building to their own designs or were adapted to other Hudson model locomotives such as the CPR or CNR Hudsons.
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	The Hoffman Hudson enjoyed international as well as domestic success. Four complete casting sets went to Australia, three to Germany and two to Italy. Many more casting sets were sent to the United States, particularly to New York State and the State of Massachusetts, than were sold in Canada. Of the casting sets sold domestically, most were in Ontario. Strangely, although Carl advertised the NYC Hudson extensively in the UK, Bruce doesn’t remember having any success there.		The Hoffman Hudson enjoyed international as well as domestic success. Four complete casting sets went to Australia, three to Germany and two to Italy. Many more casting sets were sent to the United States, particularly to New York State and the State of Massachusetts, than were sold in Canada. Of the casting sets sold domestically, most were in Ontario. Strangely, although Carl advertised the NYC Hudson extensively in the UK, Bruce doesn’t remember having any success there.

	Carl was always very customer oriented and one could buy as little or as much as one wanted. I remember that I benefited from this as I made several casting purchases over the years as the project I was working on progressed.		Carl was always very customer oriented and one could buy as little or as much as one wanted. I remember that I benefited from this as I made several casting purchases over the years as the project I was working on progressed.

	The Hoffman New York Central Hudson was based on the early 1927-29 J-1B series Hudsons having [[Walschaert valve gear]]. Some of the parts were simplified to make construction easier. Twenty two (22) individual unnumbered drawings constitute a basic compete set. However, Carl and Bruce did produce additional individual sketches in response to requests from individual customers adding additional details. I have a number of these sketches. On many of the drawings is the name W.P. Levon. Levon’s name appears to be associated with the original drafting done in Detroit as Bruce Hoffman recollects that neither [[Carl Hoffman]] nor [[Frank Birch]] had any dealings with this person. Carl received a set of paper prints only when he took over the project from [[Frank Birch]]. Carl had to reproduce all of the paper drawings on Mylar. Bruce recalls that this was quite an exercise all on its own.		The Hoffman New York Central Hudson was based on the early 1927-29 J-1B series Hudsons having [[Walschaert valve gear]]. Some of the parts were simplified to make construction easier. Twenty two (22) individual unnumbered drawings constitute a basic compete set. However, Carl and Bruce did produce additional individual sketches in response to requests from individual customers adding additional details. I have a number of these sketches. On many of the drawings is the name W.P. Levon. Levon’s name appears to be associated with the original drafting done in Detroit as Bruce Hoffman recollects that neither [[Carl Hoffman]] nor [[Frank Birch]] had any dealings with this person. Carl received a set of paper prints only when he took over the project from [[Frank Birch]]. Carl had to reproduce all of the paper drawings on Mylar. Bruce recalls that this was quite an exercise all on its own.

	More than half of the Hoffman Hudson model boilers I have come across are all welded mild steel boilers even though the Hoffman drawings show an all copper boiler. The steel boilers for the Hoffman Hudson were produced by Reg. Miller of St. Thomas, Ontario. Carl likely met Reg. at The Golden Triangle Model Engineers exhibition held in the Lambeth arena around 1968. Reg. asked Carl if he had anyone who could make the boiler. At the time, Carl was in touch with a Montreal contact who was interested in producing the copper Hoffman boiler but nothing ever developed from this.		More than half of the Hoffman Hudson model boilers I have come across are all welded mild steel boilers even though the Hoffman drawings show an all copper boiler. The steel boilers for the Hoffman Hudson were produced by Reg. Miller of St. Thomas, Ontario. Carl likely met Reg. at <i>The Golden Triangle Model Engineers</i> exhibition held in the Lambeth arena around 1968. Reg. asked Carl if he had anyone who could make the boiler. At the time, Carl was in touch with a Montreal contact who was interested in producing the copper Hoffman boiler but nothing ever developed from this.

	Reg. offered to build the Hoffman boiler in steel so whenever a customer wanted a ready-made boiler, Carl would put them in contact with Reg. Reg. recalls that about 20 steel boilers were constructed. Most or all of the steel boilers were built in the 1970’s.		Reg. offered to build the Hoffman boiler in steel so whenever a customer wanted a ready-made boiler, Carl would put them in contact with Reg. Reg. recalls that about 20 steel boilers were constructed. Most or all of the steel boilers were built in the 1970’s.

	At the time, Reg. Miller worked for Clark Forklift in St. Thomas in the engineering department. He had access to the manufacturing facilities for bending and welding. The steel boilers were made exactly to the Hoffman copper boiler print. Reg. never had a Hoffman Hudson himself but he did, once, complete a partially built Hoffman Hudson which utilized his boiler. Reg. also fabricated a couple of Hoffman Northern boilers which were in effect stretched Hudson’s. All that exists of this little known design is a Northern frame pattern which is in the possession of the author, all other components being standard Hudson parts.		At the time, Reg. Miller worked for Clark Forklift in St. Thomas in the engineering department. He had access to the manufacturing facilities for bending and welding. The steel boilers were made exactly to the Hoffman copper boiler print. Reg. never had a Hoffman Hudson himself but he did, once, complete a partially built Hoffman Hudson which utilized his boiler. Reg. also fabricated a couple of Hoffman Northern boilers which were in effect stretched Hudson’s. All that exists of this little known design is a Northern frame pattern which is in the possession of the author, all other components being standard Hudson parts.

			[[File:59 Reg. Miller at McJannet's Picnic Aug. 2010 (Reg. made many of the Hoffman Welded Steel Boilers - I have one of his Welded Steel Boilers).jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Reg. Miller at the Miniature Power Products Picnic August, 2010.]]

	All of the brass/bronze castings used in the Hoffman Hudson were produced at the Riverside foundry located in New Hamburg. The foundry still exists today although now it is a lot bigger. All of the iron castings were produced in the Link Belt foundry located in Elmira. The Link Belt foundry is no longer in existence.		All of the brass/bronze castings used in the Hoffman Hudson were produced at the Riverside foundry located in New Hamburg. The foundry still exists today although now it is a lot bigger. All of the iron castings were produced in the Link Belt foundry located in Elmira. The Link Belt foundry is no longer in existence.
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	On the original boiler drawing, a hollow staytube throttle is shown. Later, a smokebox rotary throttle was added as an alternative as it was simpler to construct and Carl found out that the hollow stay tube throttle sometimes stuck open or didn’t shut off completely when closed. On the Hoffman Hudson which I have, there is a slightly modified rotary throttle having what I will call the “Dave Powell notch”. A shallow “v” is filed or milled into the leading edge of the barrel of the throttle to allow steam to fill the cylinders just before starting.		On the original boiler drawing, a hollow staytube throttle is shown. Later, a smokebox rotary throttle was added as an alternative as it was simpler to construct and Carl found out that the hollow stay tube throttle sometimes stuck open or didn’t shut off completely when closed. On the Hoffman Hudson which I have, there is a slightly modified rotary throttle having what I will call the “Dave Powell notch”. A shallow “v” is filed or milled into the leading edge of the barrel of the throttle to allow steam to fill the cylinders just before starting.

	The Hoffman Hudson design, although not marketed today, still exists. Bruce Hoffman retained all of the original patterns and drawings. As of November, 2009, Don Carr of the [[Toronto Society of Model Engineers]] (TSME) purchased everything which remained in ¾ inch scale including the complete Hoffman Hudson design, drawings, patterns, castings and passenger car equipment. Besides the Hudson, there were other patterns and castings included, all in ¾ inch scale. He plans to continue the tradition started by [[Frank Birch]] and developed by [[Carl Hoffman]].		Customers could also order mostly machined cylinders if they so wished in addition to the cylinder castings. The machine work done on the cylinders was undertaken by Ross Allemang of Kitchener, Ontario. He was a Tool and Die maker by trade but is now retired.

			Ross’ notes indicate that 17 full sets of cylinders were machined for Carl Hoffman between 1979 and 1987. At the time Ross did all of the layout and cylinder machining on his 10.75” swing Matthew Moody & Sons center lathe and a 7” Atlas shaper.

			Ross also has under construction a very detailed Hoffman Hudson. To date, only the engine has been made. The boiler on the engine is all steel but has rolled in copper tubes.

			[[File:68 A Pair of Ross Allemang Hoffman Hudson Cylinders Machined for Carl Hoffman Commercially.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 7. A pair of machined Hoffman Hudson cylinders by Ross Allemang.]]

			[[File:61 Ross Allemang and his Hoffman Hudson April 5th, 2012 (Ross Machined Many of the Hoffman Hudson Cylinders for Carl Hoffman - he was a Tool and Die Maker).jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 8. Ross Allemang in his workshop with his Hoffman Hudson.]]

			[[File:22 Detailed Hudson made by E. J. Lovridge from Plans and Castings Supplied by Carl Hoffman.bmp\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 9. A detailed Hudson made by E. J. Loveridge from plans and castings supplied by Carl Hoffman. Photo courtesy of E. J. Loveridge and Bruce Hoffman.]]

			The Hoffman Hudson design, although not marketed today, still exists. Bruce Hoffman retained all of the original patterns and drawings. As of November, 2009, Don Carr of the [[Toronto Society of Model Engineers]] (TSME) purchased everything which remained in ¾ inch scale including the complete Hoffman Hudson design, drawings, patterns, castings and passenger car equipment. Besides the Hudson, there were other patterns and castings included, all in 3/4 inch scale. He plans to continue the tradition started by [[Frank Birch]] and developed by [[Carl Hoffman]].

	Don has said he will make the Hoffman Hudson commercially available again but it will be some time in the future as he is now working on new and expanded product items for the Hudson.		Don has said he will make the Hoffman Hudson commercially available again but it will be some time in the future as he is now working on new and expanded product items for the Hudson.

Dnevil at 02:42, 3 May 2021

2021-05-03T02:42:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:42, 2 May 2021
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	Around 1967 Carl met [[James Turnbull]] from Montreal at one of the club meets in Toronto. Jim sparked Carl’s interest in the larger gauge locomotives. Carl approached Pioneer Village in Doon to build a 7.25 inch gauge track. His proposal was accepted and eventually an 1100 foot long track was constructed. The track was started in late 1968 and finished in 1969. When the park was expanded and a firehall built on the track site, Carl moved from Doon to St. Agatha in 1972. A new 7.25 inch gauge track was constructed on a rented 5 acre site located in the country. The photo of Carl is at St. Agatha in 1975.		Around 1967 Carl met [[James Turnbull]] from Montreal at one of the club meets in Toronto. Jim sparked Carl’s interest in the larger gauge locomotives. Carl approached Pioneer Village in Doon to build a 7.25 inch gauge track. His proposal was accepted and eventually an 1100 foot long track was constructed. The track was started in late 1968 and finished in 1969. When the park was expanded and a firehall built on the track site, Carl moved from Doon to St. Agatha in 1972. A new 7.25 inch gauge track was constructed on a rented 5 acre site located in the country. The photo of Carl is at St. Agatha in 1975.

	[[File:49 Carl Hoffman at St. Agatha Track in 1975.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|The gentleman sitting in the first rail car is George Molson Barrett, inventor, professional shop mechanic, model maker and technical writer aka “Le Compté de Millimetres” but that is another story. Photo courtesy of Todd Michel, Bluewater Society of Model Engineers.]]		[[File:49 Carl Hoffman at St. Agatha Track in 1975.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 3. The gentleman sitting in the first rail car is George Molson Barrett, inventor, professional shop mechanic, model maker and technical writer aka “Le Compté de Millimetres” but that is another story. Photo courtesy of Todd Michel, Bluewater Society of Model Engineers.]]

	The first time I visited Carl was in his workshop on Thornridge in October 1985. I had just purchased a partially built Hoffman Hudson from Miniature Power Products and needed some additional castings to work on the model. I can remember Carl and his son Bruce had a nearly complete Hudson they had made for sale sitting on the bench and in retrospect, I should have bought it.		The first time I visited Carl was in his workshop on Thornridge in October 1985. I had just purchased a partially built Hoffman Hudson from Miniature Power Products and needed some additional castings to work on the model. I can remember Carl and his son Bruce had a nearly complete Hudson they had made for sale sitting on the bench and in retrospect, I should have bought it.
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	At that time, someone in Detroit started making loose patterns and model drawings for a NYC Hudson which was never completed. [[Frank Birch]], a Canadian, who was living in Essex County (Essex County is located near Windsor, Ontario) at the time took over the project and finished the set of patterns. Birch then made a beautiful detailed Hudson from the patterns.		At that time, someone in Detroit started making loose patterns and model drawings for a NYC Hudson which was never completed. [[Frank Birch]], a Canadian, who was living in Essex County (Essex County is located near Windsor, Ontario) at the time took over the project and finished the set of patterns. Birch then made a beautiful detailed Hudson from the patterns.

			[[File:21 Frank Birch Hudson.jpg\|thumb\|right\|300px\|Figure 4. Photo courtesy of the Model Engineer, Postbag, 27 August, 1959.]]

	[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.		[[Frank Birch]] also sold drawings and castings for his Hudson and an unknown number of Hudsons may have been built using the original Birch castings and drawings. One can tell an original Birch casting as all of the original loose pieces were stamped “Birch”. I am very fortunate to have a few of the original castings myself which were given to me by Bruce Hoffman.