Author Topic: Sources for period clothing?  (Read 33854 times)

Ed Lecuyer

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #45 on: February 22, 2019, 09:44:17 AM »
Quote
Can't open this file.
Fixed it.
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Stephen Piwowarski

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #46 on: May 08, 2019, 07:52:33 PM »
Just a heads up for anyone on the lookout for overalls, work clothes and the like that would be useful on the WW&F, I've had great luck with All Seasons Uniforms out of Woodstock, Il. Not only do they carry all sorts of workwear, they carry at least 5 different brands of bib overalls- at least 1 (roundhouse) is American made.

They have great customer service and are a pleasure to deal with. They also tend to offer a really good (if not best) price on what they carry.

Their number is 847-952-9860. You can also order online.

Bill Reidy

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #47 on: May 08, 2019, 08:07:08 PM »
Steve,

Is this their URL?  https://www.allseasonsuniforms.com

- Bill
We want...A SHRUBBERY!  One that looks nice, and not too expensive.

Stephen Piwowarski

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #48 on: May 08, 2019, 08:10:53 PM »
Yes Bill - that is them.

I've also been curious about the condcutor's hat on the previous page that is in the Peck-era picture. It looks pretty much like a BR-era driver's cap, which are available.

Stephen Piwowarski

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #49 on: May 08, 2019, 08:27:49 PM »
For the record, that would be what is often referred to as a grease top engine drivers cap.

Paul Crabb

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #50 on: May 12, 2019, 08:38:37 AM »
OK I'm stuck. How do I find the conductors hat Steve referred to on the site?

Paul Crabb

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #51 on: May 12, 2019, 07:48:13 PM »
OOPS - Thought previous page referred to the all seasons uniforms website, not the previous forum page.

Dana Deering

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #52 on: May 17, 2019, 01:24:53 PM »

Ed Lecuyer

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #53 on: February 28, 2022, 12:22:28 PM »
FYI, the Fisher Herringbone jacket that is popular among the volunteer crews is now sold out/discontinued by the manufacturer. Too bad, as they were a pretty inexpensive solution to having period-looking attire.
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Dante Lakin

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #54 on: August 06, 2024, 01:46:25 PM »
I know this topic has been "dead" for two years or so, but which books best show what was worn on the WW&F, or 2-footers in general? I've skimmed through Bob Jones' full catalog of "Two Feet" books for relevant pictures, which has helped some. I've also gone through a lot of the sites here (and ordered/worn clothing from Historical Emporium at the railroad) but I'm just not satisfied with how little I "feel" the part in terms of garb.

Benjamin Richards

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #55 on: August 06, 2024, 02:30:04 PM »
I think you'll find that people largely wore what they had. Especially crew members who were not passenger-facing. Remember this was before mass-produced clothing, so what few pieces people owned, had to be versatile. The big roads probably had uniform suppliers and more stringent dress codes, but shoestring operations like the WW&F didn't concern themselves with such things.

If you know any thespians, ask them where they source costumes. Try looking in thrift stores. This is one area where close enough is good enough. Especially in the cab, you want something first and foremost that is functional.

Something else I've found: develop your own style. That will help you "feel the part." Many volunteers have developed their own styles within the realm of "generally period-looking" and even though the rivet-counters might balk, people eat it up. Some examples that spring to mind: Bob, Ed, Steve P, Dan, Bryce, JB, and Josh Recave among others. I can identify any of these folks from 500 feet away just by their clothing.

My forum avatar shows the top half of one of my usual costumes: wool cap, Bean flannel, jeans, and steel toes. I also wear a honkin' strap leather belt with a PRR K4 on it. That's definitely not period, but that's what I have. There are many ways I could make it more correct: Better would be suspenders (even moreso buttons). Better would be traditional-cut pants, not modern fit jeans. Better would be welted soles instead of glued soles on my boots. Better would be brass aglets, not polymer. Better would be wire-rim glasses, not plastic ones. My point is you can chase it to oblivion if you want. Or you can pick something close and own it.

Dante Lakin

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #56 on: August 06, 2024, 02:48:00 PM »
Something else I've found: develop your own style. That will help you "feel the part."

My point is you can chase it to oblivion if you want. Or you can pick something close and own it.

Now that's given me something to think about. I've had an idea for an outfit called "The Brakeman in Black" using all black clothes from Historical Emporium but put it off due to feeling it would be just a touch too far-gone from what was "original" but you're right.

Now an all-black outfit might not be completely appropriate this time of year, but it would definitely look nice come pumpkin season 8)

Bruce Wilson

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Re: Sources for period clothing?
« Reply #57 on: August 06, 2024, 03:01:40 PM »
There are several good photos showing clothing worn by engine crews, conductors, management, laborers and enthusiasts, all within the Linwood Moody book by Mike Torreson. Hopefully, this is helpful.
Wanted: Copies of correspondence and photographs from "first generation narrow gage railfans" such as Linwood Moody, Dick Andrews, Lawrence Brown, Ellis Atwood, H.T. Crittenden and others. Interested in all two foot (U.S.) rail operations, common carrier, industrial/mill and park/museum.