Unique Arts Rock Island diesels.

Syd....welcome to the forum!!  You have come to the best place for O-gauge trains on the internet..

I Google'd "Unique Art Rock Island Diesels" and came up with a lot of information so you may want to do the same.  I bet you will find the information you are looking for on a beautiful set of locomotives...

Alan

Also, Syd, you might look at the forum directory here at OGR Forums and click on the "Tinplate" forum; it's a more specialized subset of O Gauge 3-rail, and the Unique Arts trains are old-style lithographed tinplate.  You will find more folks on that forum who are knowledgeable about and interested in Unique Art and more able to answer your questions.  There's actually another thread concerning Unique Art going on right now over on the Tinplate Forum.  If you start another thread over there you might spark quite a conversation!

Hello, Syd, welcome! The Unique Arts Rock Island diesel set were an iconic part of the tinplate train market back in the 50's, and were as beautiful an example of lithography as anything Louis Marx & Co. or any other manufacturer ever made. Aside from internet research, please avail yourself of the many tin litho/ tinplate enthusiasts that post on the Tinplate Trains sub-forum here. There is a lot of collective knowledge on that sub-forum. Also, if you get a chance, post a picture or two of your diesels.

Welcome. Syd!  The more the merrier.  That Unique Arts thread referred to above is entitled "Unique Arts Trains: Missing Pieces?".

To all who have responded as well as those who may in the future, "THANK YOU."

Syd

Syd, welcome to the Forum.

Syd,   A big welcome from the aforementioned "touter".  Your first post is long overdue!!

Please, share some photos of these unusual Rock Island Diesels.

Andrew

Hey Syd, if you want to get it running I can tell you exactly what you will need to do as long as its an original motor and original setup but I need to see what condition the motor is in.  There are many factors involved here and im sure its something simple.  Also be aware that the motor in the rock islands has a three position e-unit and if its stuck it will not cycle for you!!  Try giving it the old tap on the top "marx" trick and maybe that will work.  It may just be stuck in neutral position.  If not at worst post a few pics and im sure its nothing major.  Ive been collecting UA stuff for years and I have the whole line of O gauge trains top to bottom and a few boxes as well. Also from reading you post there should only be one powered unit with one single motor, not multiple motors but there is a headlight in the A and the B units so be aware.  Also I really don't do forums or post a lot of stuff on here but I can for sure help you out so lets get it done if you want.  Thanks and good luck with whatever you decide to do.

JEFF   

Dear Jeff,

Thank you for your gracious offer of assistance with my Unique Arts' Rock Island diesels.  It appears some sort of diagnosis/repair was initiated in the past.  Most of the wiring has be cut or detached.  I am in my eighth decade. I am not entirely familiar with the OGF attributes.  I  have a great memory, it is just short.  I claim a senior moment.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.  Please send me your email address, and I shall get a grandchild to assist me in sending images to you.  I could not locate your email address in the Forum (it may be there, I just can not find it).

For the record, I have two sets of the diesels, thus the two motors.  My goal will be to get one running at a minimum.  I just want it to go round and round on a loop.  I am uninterested in any neutral or reverse characteristics (in fact, it seems someone cut the wires to the E unit in that attempt).

Thank you again for your offer.  I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Regards,

Syd

I understand there was no other rolling stock made with those couplers?  Is that true?

Kind of upside down, and weren't, I don't think compatible even with Marx tab and slot.  I never saw any when they were new, and haven't noticed any in myriads of

train shows.  Were they or the Marx #21 Santa Fe's first to be offered?  I think I have

heard the Marx tin diesels were panic offerings rushed to market because of those

Unique Rock Islands.

Hi Syd

From our past correspondence I thought you were well on the way toward a repair and Im sorry to hear that did not place. It sounds as if the repair shop and the acquaintance you had mentioned failed to come through.

The photo below was taken when my own was under repairs. Don't be discouraged. This unit had a cracked windshield, wood blocks holding the trucks together, a huge glob of melted lead screwed to the body shell etc.

To make matters worse the paint was damaged and needed a severe touch up...In another words, it could be worse. Since that photo was taken the restoration was completed..the couplers are "unique" to this product line..as I have since aquired cars to run behind it. I hope you get yours repaired.

Bruce