Cable Car Model San Francisco 1-24 - OcCre

The San Francisco Cable Car: an American historic tramway

The history of cable cars in San Francisco

Cable Cars are part of San Francisco's identity.

Their history dates back to August 2, 1873, when Andrew Smith Hallidie experimented with the city's first cable car on Clay Street.

This transportation system gradually shaped San Francisco's urban landscape, especially in its steep streets.

Unlike traditional electric trams, Cable Cars use an underground cable driven at a constant speed by a fixed motorized installation.

A gripping device allows the driver to attach the vehicle to the cable to move forward. Releasing this device, combined with braking, slows down or stops the tram.

Tram No. 60 of the California Street line

The OcCre San Francisco model replicates tram No. 60 belonging to the California Street fleet, distinct from the vehicles running on the Powell-Hyde and Powell-Mason lines.

Its history dates back to a model built in 1906 by John Hammond & Company for the California Street Cable Railroad Company.

After the earthquake and fire in San Francisco in April 1906, the vehicle was rebuilt in the Hammond workshops under number 16.

It was then renumbered 60 in 1957, before being rebuilt again in 1968-1969 in the MUNI Elkton workshops, retaining its original roof and seats.

The tram represented by OcCre corresponds to a version manufactured in 1998 by the San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) and put into service in 2002.

This historical lineage gives particular interest to this model of an old tramway for urban transport collectors.

Technical characteristics of the San Francisco OcCre tramway model

Scale, dimensions, and number of pieces

The San Francisco Cable Car model is referenced as OcCre 53007.

It is made to a 1/24 scale and includes 594 pieces to assemble.

Dimensions of the finished model: length 428 mm, width 107 mm, and height 160 mm.

These dimensions allow for planning the necessary space for its display on a shelf, in a showcase, or on a diorama base.

The manufacturer's technical reference is indicated under the designation 1:24 / G-45.

Medium difficulty level and construction time

OcCre categorizes this tramway model kit as having a medium difficulty level. The estimated assembly time is around 120 hours.

This project is mainly aimed at modelers with some experience in assembling scale models.

Construction requires patience and a methodical organization of parts to replicate the various elements of the vehicle.

The 120 hours are an estimate from the manufacturer.

The actual time required may vary depending on the modeler's experience, work pace, and attention to detail.

Building a wooden OcCre tramway model

A model kit dedicated to historic urban transport

The OcCre San Francisco kit allows for gradually building a scale model of cable car No. 60.

Assembling the 594 pieces is at the core of this modeling project, aiming to reproduce the distinctive details of the original vehicle.

This wooden model kit distinguishes itself from ready-to-display miniature trams: it offers a real construction project, intended for enthusiasts of historical vehicle kits.

Materials needed for assembly and finishing

Before starting the construction, it is advisable to prepare a sufficiently clear workspace to organize the parts and follow the different assembly steps.

Depending on the operations outlined in the instructions, the modeler may need precision tools, modeling glue, sandpaper, and materials for holding the parts together.

The exact list of necessary tools and consumables should be checked in the instructions of the OcCre 53007 kit.

Remember to order additional accessories and tools!

The tools, accessories, and products required for assembling and finishing the model are not included.

We have selected the main items useful for its construction.

For more convenience and savings, order them at the same time as your model:

In metropolitan France, shipping costs are free for orders over €150.

Simply check the boxes above for the items you wish to add to your order.

A Cable Car model for collection or diorama

Presenting the San Francisco tramway at 1/24 scale

Once built, this miniature tramway can join a collection of historical transport models, alongside other vintage trams, steam locomotives, or urban collection vehicles.

Its dimensions of 42.8 cm in length, 10.7 cm in width, and 16 cm in height also allow for individual presentation on a suitable stand.

Create a diorama inspired by the streets of San Francisco

The Cable Car model No. 60 can serve as the centerpiece of a diorama representing the atmosphere of the streets of San Francisco.

A setting including a roadway, rails, urban facades, or a sloping street would help place the vehicle in its historical environment.

The decorative elements should be chosen or made separately while respecting the 1/24 scale as much as possible.

The OcCre product sheet does not mention the provision of an urban setting or a diorama base.

Frequently Asked Questions about the San Francisco Cable Car OcCre model

What scale is the San Francisco Cable Car model in?

The San Francisco Cable Car OcCre model reference 53007 is reproduced at a 1/24 scale.

The assembled model measures 428 mm in length, 107 mm in width, and 160 mm in height.

How many pieces are included in the OcCre tramway kit?

This buildable model includes 594 pieces.

The manufacturer indicates a medium level of difficulty and approximately 120 hours of assembly time.

Is this tramway model suitable for beginners?

The medium level indicated by OcCre is more suited for individuals who have prior modeling experience.

A motivated beginner can consider this project, provided they allocate enough time and work progressively.

Should the San Francisco tramway model be painted?

Painting can be part of the finishing work to replicate the appearance of the original Cable Car.

However, it is advisable to check the instructions and the contents of the kit before choosing the necessary paints.

The product sheet does not specify the color references or the presence of a paint assortment.

Is the San Francisco OcCre tramway motorized?

The model is presented by OcCre as a kit for assembly.

The technical sheet does not mention any motorization system or rail circulation device.

Therefore, it should not be confused with a miniature electric tramway intended to operate on a railway network.

Can this model be used in a diorama?

Yes, the 1/24 scale San Francisco tramway can be integrated into a custom miniature setting representing an American street or an environment of old urban transportation.

The decorative accessories and any rails should be planned separately.

Which historical tramway is reproduced by OcCre?

The model represents Cable Car No. 60 from the California Street line in San Francisco.

The reproduced vehicle is part of a lineage of tramways dating back to 1906, with a version built in 1998 by the MUNI and put into service in 2002.