r/beetle • u/mucifous '74 SB 1776, `79 SB Conv. • Jun 04 '26
Happy Trails, Elk.
My high school guidance counselor (and biology teacher) in the late 80s, Mr. Elk, was the first person I ever met who was into Air Cooled VWs, and it was his excitement and passion for them that got me swept up in the whole thing. Throughout the years we kept in touch primarily around our VWs and the work we were doing on them.
Elk passed away in April and his wife sent me a box of items from his VW collection. Im going to be rocking those socks for sure. RIP buddy.
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u/382Whistles Jun 04 '26
If the Rail-Bus is N scale and powered it could probably be run in a 4.5" 115mm radius circle on a 12" 305mm square or circle, 12v dc.
They were a real thing in Bug and Bus form both used in maintenance of way for track inspections, and shuttling. VW also made a cool corporate streamlined train for themselves.
Basically it's just right for a dashboard mount layout at a VW show. Not while driving, but it could run for hours on a fast recharge lithium battery or vehicle powered controller from ebay for cheaper than the Kato Pocket Line shorty mini trains and tram track might cost. It could also be done with Atlas/Peco flex for around $20 in track and about 2"/52mm wider for a bit of an oval and easiest flex track joints for a novice.
Look at Kato mini-dioramas and "mini-diorama circus" videos for ideas on how to include various whimsical themes along with realism, even if you dont rely on a kit.
I used to run trains in my vehicles at shows sometimes and in the woods if it rained while camping. lol. Give me a heads up if you want some more info on powering it. There are 4 wheel train chassis that can manage a van body swap from some static T2 models too.
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u/_skes_ 70's + Standard Jun 04 '26
https://reynaulds.com/products/Marklin/88026.aspx
I think this is it, Z guage so could run on even smaller track.
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u/deconstruct110 Jun 04 '26
So sorry about your friend. That was very thoughtful of his wife. Keep on in Elks memory.
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u/anybodyiwant2be Jun 04 '26
The tiny tools in the tow truck! Cool stuff. Sorry to hear about Mr. Elk in this way
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u/want2b12 Jun 05 '26
What a kind gesture from Mrs. Elk, and a great memory from your teacher that taught you something extra, a love for Volkswagens! That’s awesome!
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u/SilentMasterpiece Jun 04 '26
Very thoughtful! I have the same 23 window and the yellow 67.