It seems inevitable that once
something is collected, it will be imitated. We timetable collectors have not
been spared. Timetable reproductions exist for many of the seldom-seen traction
and mountain short line issues, and, surprisingly, even for some recent,
easily-imitated issues. Each collector can make his own decision as to whether
to include such material in his collection, providing he can distinguish the
real from the fake! Hopefully the list of reprints in this issue of The
Timetable Collector will assist that endeavor.
The reprint list was compiled from
many sources, and in some cases complete information is lacking. We hope to
provide a forum for any members who have additional data on confirmed or
suspected reprints, or corrections or additions to this list. Intentionally
excluded from the list are (1) timetables reprinted by the railroads for their
current use, (2) partially reprinted timetables produced for advertising
purposes or as illustrations in or supplements to publications (such as The Timetable
Collector), and (3) fantasies, i.e., fan-produced timetables which are not
reproductions of railroad issues.
Reference to the nature of the
marking of the reprints is included in the column headed "Marking".
“Print" indicates that some identification, such as the word
"reprint," was printed as an integral part of the reproduction.
"Stamp" indicates that the reprints were marked after reproduction;
in many cases these reprints also exist without marking. For those reprints for
which accurate information is not available as to the nature of the marking,
the word "yes" is used.
Some smaller railways without
significant demand for up to date timetables would occasionally print a
"show" timetable as a vehicle for promoting their line and its
facilities. Occasionally, the railway itself would reprint the "show"
timetable long after its imprinted date. An example was the December 10, 1922,
issue of the Rock Island Southern. This is not considered a reprint in the
sense of this article.
There is no foolproof way to
identify the unmarked reprints, but here are a few clues:
-The bulk or the reprints are
produced using some photographic reproduction process. Such a process normally
results in paper that is smooth to the touch. The printing can be felt in
older, letterpress-printed originals. In addition, illustrations and maps may
appear dark and unclear in the reprint.
-Quality and condition of the paper
is another indicator. Prior to World War I most timetables were printed on
high-quality paper which has not aged or become brittle. Older issues which are
printed on pulp paper, but are in good condition, are suspect; this is true
even of issues dated in the 1930s.
-Another indicator is the timetable smell - an old timetable smells old! A timetable without smell is most likely of recent origin. It should be remembered, of course, that even a reprint may be over sixty years old, since most were produced in the 1950s and 1960s.
Steam Railroad Public Timetable Reprints
Steam Railroad Employee Timetable Reprints
Electric Railway Timetable Reprints