I've heard from several sources that Transquip is closing. I personally think their trainman hats are the most comfortable product newly available. What other sources are out there for uniforms and trainman supplies? Does anyone know if the company will be taken by a new owner?

It is my understanding that Transquip went out of business some time ago (ca. 2013?) account death of the primary owner.

Earl Johnston, the owner of Transquip, passed away last year after a bout with cancer. He was a good friend of mine and I went to school with his kids as we grew up in the same town. Earl used to work for SEPTA in Philadelphia as a purchasing agent and as disposition manager of the city transit agency's traction equipment, he was personally responsible for dispersing several vintage pieces that ended up going to various trolley and railway museums around the country (for instance he helped arranged for the ex-PRR Pioneer III electric m.u. set that went to RRMPa back in the 1990's as well as numerous ex-SEPTA PCC streetcars that were sold to various organizations nationwide). He also collected transit buses and at one time was a volunteer with the Buckingham Valley Trolley Museum. His widow Jean was also very active in the Transquip venture. Earl and my own dad were very active (together) in the same military affairs groups for veteran retirees, including The Navy League and The Reserve Officers Association, and belonged to the same Masonic Lodge, as do I. Earl went out of his way to help his customers and was always thinking of new products to better outfit those of us who were trying to look more authentic for our visitors!

-K.R. Bell

I too had heard that following Mr. Johnson's death the widow was going to shut down the business.

The Transquip website appears to be active: http://www.transquip.net/index.html

Mr. Bell, sorry to hear about your friend.

The website is active, which sparked my curiosity. I'd like to get a couple hats if at all possible but no one is answering the phone.

I talked to Mrs. Johnson back in early December. She told me that she was winding down the business, and would be selling off the stock. I had tried to reach her via phone and email several times, and it just took a while for her to get ahold of me. No big deal. I purchased some items from her.

I do remember her saying that most of the hats were gone, it depended on the size. I believe my bucked-headed size (7 3/4) was out. I'll have to take care of my winter cap from them.

I'd love to know who made their hats. I know the people over at the new Thompson Cap Company were discussing possibly making passenger trainman uniforms as their next items. I'd love to see them.

I also talked with Mrs. Johnston last fall. I made 2 orders based on what she still had in stock. She also told me most hat sizes were sold out.

I also believe she told me that the caps were made to order from the Keystone Uniform Cap Co. In Philadelphia. They have been in business for decades and still supply some commuter rail transportation companies.