Tri-ang Railways

Minic Garden Railway

History in the USA

A few years ago I received the following E-mail

Hi, I'm hoping you might be able to help identify some "Park Trains" that I have recently discovered.

I work for the State of Connecticut in a unit that is responsible for the disposition of property surplus to the State's needs. On a facility that was deemed surplus by our Department of Mental retardation we found some "Park Trains". Apparently the trains were purchased sometime during the 1960's to give rides to the client residents of the facility. However, they were never used. Before we make any decision on what should be done with them I am trying to identfy them and determine if they have any value as collectables.

This is what I know so far:

* The main car indicates that the trains were "Built in Britain by Minic Limited, Canterbury

* The insignia Tri-ang appears on the outside of the cars

* The conductor car is painted labeled Pullman, Golden Arrow and has one seat for the conductor

* The coach car is painted and labeled Pullman, Opal, and has two seats (there are only two cars)

* The track for these trains is 11&1/4 inces wide.

* The conductor car is approximately 57'' long by 21'' high by 19' wide

* The coach car is approximately 52'' long by 21'' high by 19'' wide

I've attached three digital photos for you to see.

Any information you might be able to provide would be most appreciated.

Thank you 

David A. Kalafa, Planning Specialist, State of Connecticut, Office of Policy and Management

 

 

 

Amazing how far they travelled. I sent them as much information as I could.