Advertising Transparencies
Including Illustrations of Their Use in Advertising Copy
Washington Set on High Trestle This photo featuring Pikemaster track was most likely taken on a very nice diorama complete with scenery and a backdrop. It was used as a full color illustration in a 1961 sales brochure. It was also used to illustrate the new Pikemaster track in the 1961-62 catalog. Only the area around the nose of the rocket car was used, but you can tell that this is the photo used by the fact that the pattern of the ballast matches. The uses of the image are illustrated in the next 2 slides.
Washington Set on High Trestle

This photo featuring Pikemaster track was most likely taken on a very nice diorama complete with scenery and a backdrop. It was used as a full color illustration in a 1961 sales brochure. It was also used to illustrate the new Pikemaster track in the 1961-62 catalog. Only the area around the nose of the rocket car was used, but you can tell that this is the photo used by the fact that the pattern of the ballast matches. The uses of the image are illustrated in the next 2 slides.
Washington Set on High Trestle

This photo featuring Pikemaster track was most likely taken on a very nice diorama complete with scenery and a backdrop. It was used as a full color illustration in a 1961 sales brochure. It was also used to illustrate the new Pikemaster track in the 1961-62 catalog. Only the area around the nose of the rocket car was used, but you can tell that this is the photo used by the fact that the pattern of the ballast matches. The uses of the image are illustrated in the next 2 slides.
This image is from a 1961 sales brochure.
This image is from a 1961 sales brochure.
This image is from a 1961 sales brochure.
This use of the photo shows the details of the pikemaster track. you can see it is from this photo because the pattern of the ballast matches.
This use of the photo shows the details of the pikemaster track. you can see it is from this photo because the pattern of the ballast matches.
This use of the photo shows the details of the pikemaster track. you can see it is from this photo because the pattern of the ballast matches.
Washington Set on Low Trestle This photo featuring Pikemaster track was probably taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. While it is very similar in composition to the previous photo, the trestle is much lower and of a different design using American Flyer trestle piers as supports. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Washington Set on Low Trestle

This photo featuring Pikemaster track was probably taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. While it is very similar in composition to the previous photo, the trestle is much lower and of a different design using American Flyer trestle piers as supports. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Washington Set on Low Trestle

This photo featuring Pikemaster track was probably taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. While it is very similar in composition to the previous photo, the trestle is much lower and of a different design using American Flyer trestle piers as supports. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Rolling Stock This colorful shot shows a prototype of the S gauge version of the tiejector car. Unlike the production model of that car, it features a cupola style caboose body that appears to be a partial HO caboose body. Portions of this photo show up on page 12 of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the next slide.
Rolling Stock

This colorful shot shows a prototype of the S gauge version of the tiejector car. Unlike the production model of that car, it features a cupola style caboose body that appears to be a partial HO caboose body. Portions of this photo show up on page 12 of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the next slide.
Rolling Stock

This colorful shot shows a prototype of the S gauge version of the tiejector car. Unlike the production model of that car, it features a cupola style caboose body that appears to be a partial HO caboose body. Portions of this photo show up on page 12 of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the next slide.
1961-62 Catalog D2239 page 12
1961-62 Catalog D2239 page 12
1961-62 Catalog D2239 page 12
Yard Scene This photo was most likely taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. It features much the same rolling stock, including the prototype version of the tie jector car. You can find the New Haven box car, Hooker chemical car, the Monon gondola, Rocket Launcher car, and B & M F9 diesel in both photos. The background looks like similar backdrops marketed by Tru-Scale and others. This image was used in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide.
Yard Scene

This photo was most likely taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. It features much the same rolling stock, including the prototype version of the tie jector car. You can find the New Haven box car, Hooker chemical car, the Monon gondola, Rocket Launcher car, and B & M F9 diesel in both photos. The background looks like similar backdrops marketed by Tru-Scale and others. This image was used in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide.
Yard Scene

This photo was most likely taken on the same diorama or layout as the previous photo. It features much the same rolling stock, including the prototype version of the tie jector car. You can find the New Haven box car, Hooker chemical car, the Monon gondola, Rocket Launcher car, and B & M F9 diesel in both photos. The background looks like similar backdrops marketed by Tru-Scale and others. This image was used in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide.
This image shows the previous transparency used in a 1961 sales brochure.
This image shows the previous transparency used in a 1961 sales brochure.
This image shows the previous transparency used in a 1961 sales brochure.
Franklin & Missouri Pacific Alco This photo appears to have been taken on a table top diorama using loose gravel as a ground cover. A portion of the table may be visable in the extreme foreground. It appears to date from 1959 or 1960 based on the use of regular American Flyer track rather than Pikemaster track which was introduced in 1961. This shot found its way into Gilbert advertising in a 1959-1960 brochure shown in the next slide and was one of only a few that made it in full color.
Franklin & Missouri Pacific Alco

This photo appears to have been taken on a table top diorama using loose gravel as a ground cover. A portion of the table may be visable in the extreme foreground. It appears to date from 1959 or 1960 based on the use of regular American Flyer track rather than Pikemaster track which was introduced in 1961. This shot found its way into Gilbert advertising in a 1959-1960 brochure shown in the next slide and was one of only a few that made it in full color.
Franklin & Missouri Pacific Alco

This photo appears to have been taken on a table top diorama using loose gravel as a ground cover. A portion of the table may be visable in the extreme foreground. It appears to date from 1959 or 1960 based on the use of regular American Flyer track rather than Pikemaster track which was introduced in 1961. This shot found its way into Gilbert advertising in a 1959-1960 brochure shown in the next slide and was one of only a few that made it in full color.
1959-60 Catalog D2146
1959-60 Catalog D2146
1959-60 Catalog D2146
Boy with Washington Set This is probably a rejected shot as a similar shot in which the boy had a more normal expression on his face is the one that was used in the advertising. The locomotive shown has a diamond stack and is the production prototype for this locomotive. The actual locomotive had the same funnel stack used on the Franklin locomotive. The illustrations in the next two slides are from the 1960 catalogs.
Boy with Washington Set

This is probably a rejected shot as a similar shot in which the boy had a more normal expression on his face is the one that was used in the advertising. The locomotive shown has a diamond stack and is the production prototype for this locomotive. The actual locomotive had the same funnel stack used on the Franklin locomotive. The illustrations in the next two slides are from the 1960 catalogs.
Boy with Washington Set

This is probably a rejected shot as a similar shot in which the boy had a more normal expression on his face is the one that was used in the advertising. The locomotive shown has a diamond stack and is the production prototype for this locomotive. The actual locomotive had the same funnel stack used on the Franklin locomotive. The illustrations in the next two slides are from the 1960 catalogs.
1960 Catalog 2192 page 1
1960 Catalog 2192 page 1
1960 Catalog 2192 page 1
1960 Catalog 2224 page 1
1960 Catalog 2224 page 1
1960 Catalog 2224 page 1
Frontiersman on the Floor This is an excellent view of the 1959 or 1960 version of the Franklin set. The boy is holding the baggage car that was offered as a cereal premium with the purchase of the set. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Frontiersman on the Floor

This is an excellent view of the 1959 or 1960 version of the Franklin set. The boy is holding the baggage car that was offered as a cereal premium with the purchase of the set. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Frontiersman on the Floor

This is an excellent view of the 1959 or 1960 version of the Franklin set. The boy is holding the baggage car that was offered as a cereal premium with the purchase of the set. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Cereal Box Offer This is the box design for the Post cereal premium. Based on the hand lettering and blank lines, this is probably a mockup of the design, rather than a photo of the actual box.
Cereal Box Offer

This is the box design for the Post cereal premium. Based on the hand lettering and blank lines, this is probably a mockup of the design, rather than a photo of the actual box.
Cereal Box Offer

This is the box design for the Post cereal premium. Based on the hand lettering and blank lines, this is probably a mockup of the design, rather than a photo of the actual box.
Small Boy with HO Trains The smile and joyful expression on this young boy's face must have been just what Gilbert wanted. This image was used for a two page spread in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide. A different take of this shot was used at the head of the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the slide following that. The hands are moved and the expression of the boy is slightly different. An interesting side note on this photo is that Gilbert never made a C & O gondola like the one pictured in front of the drum loader. That model appears to be a Marx model. Also note that the tie-jector car has a body with a cupola which differs from the production model, which has a high window on the left and no cupola. Also the production model has the car number lettered on the side of the tie bin, which leads me to believe this may be a prototype version.
Small Boy with HO Trains

The smile and joyful expression on this young boy's face must have been just what Gilbert wanted. This image was used for a two page spread in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide. A different take of this shot was used at the head of the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the slide following that. The hands are moved and the expression of the boy is slightly different. An interesting side note on this photo is that Gilbert never made a C & O gondola like the one pictured in front of the drum loader. That model appears to be a Marx model. Also note that the tie-jector car has a body with a cupola which differs from the production model, which has a high window on the left and no cupola. Also the production model has the car number lettered on the side of the tie bin, which leads me to believe this may be a prototype version.
Small Boy with HO Trains

The smile and joyful expression on this young boy's face must have been just what Gilbert wanted. This image was used for a two page spread in a 1961 sales brochure which can be seen in the next slide. A different take of this shot was used at the head of the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog shown in the slide following that. The hands are moved and the expression of the boy is slightly different. An interesting side note on this photo is that Gilbert never made a C & O gondola like the one pictured in front of the drum loader. That model appears to be a Marx model. Also note that the tie-jector car has a body with a cupola which differs from the production model, which has a high window on the left and no cupola. Also the production model has the car number lettered on the side of the tie bin, which leads me to believe this may be a prototype version.
This slide is from the 1961 sales brochure. The photo took up two pages, but I was not able to join the two sides of the image successfully.
This slide is from the 1961 sales brochure. The photo took up two pages, but I was not able to join the two sides of the image successfully.
This slide is from the 1961 sales brochure. The photo took up two pages, but I was not able to join the two sides of the image successfully.
This slide shows the use of the image, or another one from the same shoot in the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog
This slide shows the use of the image, or another one from the same shoot in the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog
This slide shows the use of the image, or another one from the same shoot in the HO section of the 1961-62 catalog
HO Rolling Stock This photo very clearly shows the 1959 lineup of HO sets. It is interesting to note that while Gilbert 5 digit numbering began in 1957, the Hudson and 0-6-0 Switchers still bear 3 digit numbers. The numbering on some of the cars in the set lineups may also be 3 digit versions. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Rolling Stock

This photo very clearly shows the 1959 lineup of HO sets. It is interesting to note that while Gilbert 5 digit numbering began in 1957, the Hudson and 0-6-0 Switchers still bear 3 digit numbers. The numbering on some of the cars in the set lineups may also be 3 digit versions. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Rolling Stock

This photo very clearly shows the 1959 lineup of HO sets. It is interesting to note that while Gilbert 5 digit numbering began in 1957, the Hudson and 0-6-0 Switchers still bear 3 digit numbers. The numbering on some of the cars in the set lineups may also be 3 digit versions. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
Boy & HO Rolling Stock A different version of this photo, showing a young boy looking at a variety of Gilbert HO rolling stock, found its way to a 1960 brochure, as shown in the next slide. Note that the difference in the expression on the boy's face in the advertising shown in the next slide.
Boy & HO Rolling Stock

A different version of this photo, showing a young boy looking at a variety of Gilbert HO rolling stock, found its way to a 1960 brochure, as shown in the next slide. Note that the difference in the expression on the boy's face in the advertising shown in the next slide.
Boy & HO Rolling Stock

A different version of this photo, showing a young boy looking at a variety of Gilbert HO rolling stock, found its way to a 1960 brochure, as shown in the next slide. Note that the difference in the expression on the boy's face in the advertising shown in the next slide.
While this is basically the same photo as the previous transparency, the boy's expression is different so it is probably derived from another image in the same shoot.
While this is basically the same photo as the previous transparency, the boy's expression is different so it is probably derived from another image in the same shoot.
While this is basically the same photo as the previous transparency, the boy's expression is different so it is probably derived from another image in the same shoot.
Boy & 0-6-0 Switcher This closeup photo is most likely a second. Its better version, featuring the 31031 0-6-0 switcher and a more natural expression on the boy, was used in advertising and was featured on three different catalog versions as shown in the next three slides.
Boy & 0-6-0 Switcher

This closeup photo is most likely a second. Its better version, featuring the 31031 0-6-0 switcher and a more natural expression on the boy, was used in advertising and was featured on three different catalog versions as shown in the next three slides.
Boy & 0-6-0 Switcher

This closeup photo is most likely a second. Its better version, featuring the 31031 0-6-0 switcher and a more natural expression on the boy, was used in advertising and was featured on three different catalog versions as shown in the next three slides.
1960 Catalog D2193 page 1
1960 Catalog D2193 page 1
1960 Catalog D2193 page 1
1960 Catalog D2225 page 1
1960 Catalog D2225 page 1
1960 Catalog D2225 page 1
1960 Catalog D2231 page 1
1960 Catalog D2231 page 1
1960 Catalog D2231 page 1
Boy Working on HO Trains The "better version" of this photo (at least in the eyes of Gilbert's advertising department) of a young boy apparently applying some touch up paint to an HO Frontiersman locomotive found its way into a 1959-60 HO brochure. The photo from the brochure is shown in the next slide. The main differences I can detect are the expression on the boy's face and the area of the model he is touching up. This is also one of the few transparencies that made its way to full color advertising.
Boy Working on HO Trains

The "better version" of this photo (at least in the eyes of Gilbert's advertising department) of a young boy apparently applying some touch up paint to an HO Frontiersman locomotive found its way into a 1959-60 HO brochure. The photo from the brochure is shown in the next slide. The main differences I can detect are the expression on the boy's face and the area of the model he is touching up. This is also one of the few transparencies that made its way to full color advertising.
Boy Working on HO Trains

The "better version" of this photo (at least in the eyes of Gilbert's advertising department) of a young boy apparently applying some touch up paint to an HO Frontiersman locomotive found its way into a 1959-60 HO brochure. The photo from the brochure is shown in the next slide. The main differences I can detect are the expression on the boy's face and the area of the model he is touching up. This is also one of the few transparencies that made its way to full color advertising.
1959 HO Brochure D2148
1959 HO Brochure D2148
1959 HO Brochure D2148
HO 0-6-0 Set This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows one of the 0-6-0 HO sets offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO 0-6-0 Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows one of the 0-6-0 HO sets offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO 0-6-0 Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows one of the 0-6-0 HO sets offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Frontiersman Set This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 as it shows the Franklin HO set offered only in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Frontiersman Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 as it shows the Franklin HO set offered only in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Frontiersman Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 as it shows the Franklin HO set offered only in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Industrial Switcher Set This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Industrial Switcher HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Industrial Switcher Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Industrial Switcher HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Industrial Switcher Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Industrial Switcher HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Hudson Set This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Hudson HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Hudson Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Hudson HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Hudson Set

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows the Hudson HO set offered in those years. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the new Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken. I have not been able to identify any Gilbert advertising which uses this photo.
HO Drum Loader This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows Drum Loader first offered in 1959. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. Also arguing in favor of a 1959 date is that fact that the accessory pictured is a prototype version, not the version as actually manufactured. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken.
HO Drum Loader

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows Drum Loader first offered in 1959. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. Also arguing in favor of a 1959 date is that fact that the accessory pictured is a prototype version, not the version as actually manufactured. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken.
HO Drum Loader

This photo may have been taken on the 200 5th Avenue layout. We can probably date this photo to 1959 or possibly 1960 as it shows Drum Loader first offered in 1959. I suspect these photos are from 1959, rather than 1960 as the collection of photos omits the Alco DL-600 set not offered in 1959. Also arguing in favor of a 1959 date is that fact that the accessory pictured is a prototype version, not the version as actually manufactured. The only photo I have seen that shows that entire 200 5th Avenue layout appears to have an elevated area for HO and that is where I think this photo might have been taken.
1946 Floor Layout This photo from 1946 shows a multitude of early equipment, but most notably a 1946 Hudson, which may be a prototype model as the "New York Central" lettering is a short version wth the lettering closely spaced, rather than the more elongated lettering found on the production models. Because of the limitations of my equipment, my scan was limited to a 4x5 area of the transparency. This photo was used in advertising for Geon wire, which may explain the extensive display of the wiring seen in this photo. You can see that advertising in the next slide.
1946 Floor Layout

This photo from 1946 shows a multitude of early equipment, but most notably a 1946 Hudson, which may be a prototype model as the "New York Central" lettering is a short version wth the lettering closely spaced, rather than the more elongated lettering found on the production models. Because of the limitations of my equipment, my scan was limited to a 4x5 area of the transparency. This photo was used in advertising for Geon wire, which may explain the extensive display of the wiring seen in this photo. You can see that advertising in the next slide.
1946 Floor Layout

This photo from 1946 shows a multitude of early equipment, but most notably a 1946 Hudson, which may be a prototype model as the "New York Central" lettering is a short version wth the lettering closely spaced, rather than the more elongated lettering found on the production models. Because of the limitations of my equipment, my scan was limited to a 4x5 area of the transparency. This photo was used in advertising for Geon wire, which may explain the extensive display of the wiring seen in this photo. You can see that advertising in the next slide.
This Geon ad shows the full size of this 5x7 transparency. Photo courtesy of Raymond Fetzner
This Geon ad shows the full size of this 5x7 transparency. Photo courtesy of Raymond Fetzner
This Geon ad shows the full size of this 5x7 transparency. Photo courtesy of Raymond Fetzner
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