Joansville, one of the cities served by the original "N" scale UPIT railroad (now replaced with the new "HO" scale UPIT railroad)...see NEW PHOTO'S below.
This is a 1965 Cushman Silver Eagle. This Eagle had been completely restored to a better than new condition - including a modern V-twin 23 hp engine.
Welcome to Joan and Frank's model railroad and Cushman Motor Scooter website.
The UPIT RAILROAD
The UPIT model railroad is patterned after the imaginary merger (I wish) of the Union Pacific and Illinois Terminal Railroads. These two prototype railroads were the source of considerable joy and "railfanning" for me in my youth so when the time and very limited space became available, it was only natural that I chose these two as the subject for my model railroad empire.
The Illinois Terminal was a regional electric interurban which managed to survive into the 1980's due to its ability to switch from electric passenger service to diesel freight, unfortunately it no longer exists. I chose the name UPIT because in my very active imagination the Illinois Terminal railroad remained a profitable line which eventually merged with the Union Pacific. After all, if the BN and SF can do it, why not the UP and IT?
Our motto is, "If THEY can't do it, then UPIT!"
Construction of the first (N scale) UPIT began in December 1997 and was temporarily stalled until the final "right-of-way" negotiations were concluded. This additional right of way brought the UPIT from St. Louis Missouri to Los Angeles (into the second bedroom) after a tunnel (hole) was constructed (punched) in the wall with the approval of the UPIT Superintendent ("thank you Joanie").
The original UPIT in "N" scale proved to be a fun railroad with "operations" as its principle reason to exist. However, the difficulty with space limitations soon proved to be to much. So in late September of 2005 UPIT management made the decision that the original UPIT had to be replaced with something that would better fit the allocated space and yet provide interesting "operations". The decision was made to tare down the "N" scale version and rebuild in "HO" scale. So, how does this work, no more space yet going to a larger scale? The answer is that we are going to rebuild the UPIT in HO as a "switching" layout. This means the main line will be greatly reduced as will the number of towns and yards serviced by the railroad. That way more space will be allowed for operators to enjoy "switching" and the UPIT will be a much less complicated model railroad. The "N" scale UPIT was so complicated that it became a MAINTENANCE NIGHTMARE. So, a much simpler railroad in HO scale became our goal.
CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTERS
When I was in high school, the "kids" did not have automobiles (yes, I am that old). Our travel options included riding the school bus, walking to school or getting a part time job and buying a used Cushman (and ride in style). I remember looking out of the third floor window of our high school building and seeing dozens of old Cushman "step-through's" resting under a big tree waiting for their owners to return and resume their traveling adventures. These old machines seemed to run on anything...made a lot of noise...and would go just about anywhere....(well, almost and most of the time anyway). While in high school, I worked in a bowling alley four nights a week setting pins...(no automatic pin sitters back then) so I could buy my Cushman (a black Springer Eagle). Well, things have a way of changing and before long girls became more important than my old "Springer", so it had to go. However, I still have fond memories of the many "smiles" and adventures that I enjoyed while riding that wonderful old 2-wheel machine.
Some Photo Pages and a few of our Favorite Web Sites.
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UPIT Railroad photo's
The UPIT MODEL RAILROAD in "N" Scale.(Dec 1997 - Sept. 2005)... The New (HO) UPIT RR. November 2005 to ???).....NEW PH0TOS added December, 2007 CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER photo's
++(One) CCOA (June 2004) CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER MEET SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LINK'S Cushman
Arkansas Vintage Scooter Railroad and Other
Peter Vanvliet's - model railroad website(Lots of good information) Train GIF's by DJ Cooley.com
Original "N" scale UPIT is history-(sad photos - Oct., 2005)
The (New) UPIT. Building the tables. (Late Oct.- Nov. 2005)
++(Two) CCOA (June 2004) CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER MEET
++(Three) CCOA (June 2004) CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER MEET
++(Four) CCOA (June 2004) CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER MEET
++(Five) CCOA (June 2004) CUSHMAN MOTOR SCOOTER MEET
OUR GULF COAST CUSHMAN GROUP (Our riding buddies)
BRAZOS BEND - OUR CUSHMAN PICNIC - MAY 2002
Charles Roberson's Cushman Website
Jim's Cushman Website (A fantastic Cushman website)
The Louisiana Cushman Club
The Texas Cushman Club
Dale Farney's - H&SF model railroad website
Bill Wright's - model railroad website
NMRA - National Model Railroad Assn.(Lots of good ideas)
Flag Gif's by 3dflagsdotcom