GSMRM/EBMES O Scale Bill Hoffmann EBMES 1940-1950's

These photographs were donated to GSMRM by Laurel-Rose Von Hoffmann, April 2023. They represent some of Bill Hoffmann models found at Emeryville layout around 1940-1952. Photos scanned by Jeff Rowe, O Scale Trainmaster, May 2023 for the GSMRM web site.

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From lrvonhoffmann@gmail.com 1April2023:

Bill Hoffman was a very prolific builder, but let very few cars out of his hands. He sold six to establish value in around 1970 for $600 each. One was given to the son-in-law of the emperor of Japan, and sat on his desk in the transportation museum. One was commissioned for the president of Toshiba. 14 Pullman cars were given to the state railroad museum. Otherwise I own the complete roster of the Sacramento northern, The key system, some Napa Valley, British Columbia and New Haven cars. Each car has 500 to 600 pieces of basswood along with some brass, and occasionally some aluminum. Many of them are motorized. They have not run in many years. They have been stored in an air-conditioned locker in cases, but are a bit dusty nonetheless however it is an extraordinary collection.

We have two binders of these pictures and other documents in the GSMRM library for viewing. More Historical & Roster information at:GSMRM and EBMES History and O Scale History

Also see this Whistle Stop article which has reference to Bill Hoffmann and nice early EBMES layout pictures:The Whistle Stop, Mar 1952 EBMES Part 2: The Oakland, Antioch and Eastern "Electrified"