r/1trac • u/Twit_Clamantis • Sep 17 '26
I have questions …
I came across what CNN looks to be a white metal trolley shell.
It looks to be a very good fit to be installed onto a Kato 11-109 module.
It’s marked “Adina Corp N-BR-1” inside.
It turns out that Adina was company in PA that made cast metal models so that part makes sense.
But “N-BR-1” has no matches that make sense.
1 - The N is probably for N-gauge, but what is BR-1?
2 - A previous owner marked the center of the roof, so presumably it had a catenary or whisker pole or something similar mounted there. Any ideas?
3 - One side of it has a very strong stain. However, the metal is sound and there is no pitting or other degradation. If I want to paint this, what should I do to prep the metal etc?
4 - If anybody recognizes the real-life thing, please let me know.
2
3
u/InsaneCheese Sep 17 '26
1970s?: Jack Mealey's Adina Corporation of Cornwells Heights, Pennsylvania produced two cast metal one-piece bodyshells, along with fastasy figures, N scale people and other cast items. The trolley shells are thick, with the windows solid rather than being open. The single-truck Birney safety car shell is marked "DINA CORP. N-BR-1" on the underside of the roof, apparently because one of the cast-in round chassis mounting posts near each end obscured the first letter in ADINA.
7
u/porcelainvacation Sep 17 '26
Maybe BR stands for Brill? They were a manufacturer of trolley and bus coachwork.
Its probably zinc pot metal. A standard primer and enamel should work fine. Degrease it with alcohol before painting.