A train I rarely see modelled is the Pigeon Special.
I recall seeing them in my youth (early 60s) and they were reasonably common.but not really sure now how the train was composed. Possibly a combination of vans and parcels stock ?

No idea, but you can get 3D printed pigeons for it in N gauge!


Paul

Now that really IS a freaky idea.... N gauge vans full of 3D printed pigeons running around your layout with a "bucket of poo, bucket of poo" sound effect running.....

I remember seeing the special vans they used but I think I only saw them added to the back of passenger trains. However, it was 50+ years ago and the memory isn't what it used to be. They also used wicker baskets to move them about as well.

I can remember seeing greyhounds being put on a train, but in
the brake coach, can't recall if they were accompanied or not.

Quote from: Malc on July 12, 2015, 10:52:07 AM
I remember seeing the special vans they used but I think I only saw them added to the back of passenger trains. However, it was 50+ years ago and the memory isn't what it used to be. They also used wicker baskets to move them about as well.

Yes, I remember the wicker baskets on station platforms. And, yes, come to think of it they were vans attached to passenger trains. However, I think there were also dedicated pigeon specials where the whole train was made up of vans plus a couple of Mk1s (possibly for the bird release people ?).

Sounds possible. An interesting thread!   

There was a lot of pigeon traffic on the S&DJR, mostly bogie vans often hauled by the S&D 7Fs, I recall reading that the longest train ever to run on the S&D was over 30 returning pigeon "empties" behind a 7F, I'll have a hunt for the reference.

I believe the release was usually done by platform staff.

Could be a few vans on a passenger train or for the bigger pigeon races then 1 or more dedicated trains might be needed.

I remember being sent to Ingatestone to relieve the booking clerk. They used to have quite a few baskets of pigeons. Well at this time there was a thrombosis (slang term for Traffick Apprentices, as we said they were bloody clots wandering round the system) and several trains arrived with pigeons for release and the porter glanced at the labels and let them go saying to the TA as he did so "They're near enough, they can walk from here." As it was bound to , an up train arrived at the same time as a down train, so the porter saw to one while the TA looked after the other. Sure enough a basket of pigeons ( Pedigrees for a local fancier, not racing pigeons) and so the TA looked at the label and saw they were for someone in the village and let them go saying (your probably ahead of me) " they're near enough, they can walk from here!"

 

The LNER had both bogie and four-wheeled vehicles described as 'Pigeon Vans'. The NGS kit Gresley design BGs would make suitable Pigeon Vans and are the next item that John (Claverdon) and I plan to tackle after the ex-LNER Extra Long CCTs. There is a 3D-printed four-wheeled LNER Pigeon Van available in N Scale but the very high price put me off! A pity as I have a photo. of one in use in North Cornwall.

An ex-LNER Bogie Pigeon Van:
(Looks to me very similar to the NGS Gresley Full Brake)
http://www.srpsmuseum.org.uk/images/10078/10078.jpg

The 3D ex-LNER Four-wheeled Pigeon Van:
http://www.atso-cadmodels.co.uk/userimages/Pigeon%20Van.jpg

I saw one on the Poppy Line at their museum.

They were transported in wicker baskets and released outside.

Of any interest?

http://www.steve-banks.org/prototype-and-traffic/128-pigeon-traffic-historical

Quote from: Trev on July 12, 2015, 06:27:12 PM
Of any interest?

http://www.steve-banks.org/prototype-and-traffic/128-pigeon-traffic-historical

Many thanks, Trev. Now I know why passenger accommodation (for the accompanying people) was included in pigeon trains.