The subject of the fireman's goggles reminded me of the elastic pant leg garters I sometimes see railroaders wear in old photographs. I've seem some at railroadania shows, marked with safety slogans.

Is there a modern source for these?

Bicycle shops should have modern functional variations. They're used by those who don't want a pant cuff caught in the chain/gear.

To that end, I was using a Chessie System pair through my college years for that purpose, back when you could buy them through the B&O Museum when they still traded in Chessie System and B&O surplus stuff. Where you'll find vintage reproductions, I don't know.

I just threw out the ones I had from the Army ('62-'65) since they finally dry rotted.

You might want to check your local army/navy surplus store. In the army they were called "boot blousers" way back when . . .

I just did an on-line search for "boot blousers" and there are several suppliers who have these items. -- Ray

The old Chessie ones turn up on ebay from time to time. I prefer them for cycling because I have a screw loose.

I was curious about this myself -- I brought the topic up in December 2007:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=24482&p=108008#p108008

Try these guys:

http://www.go2marine.com/product.do?no=18442F&WT.mc_id=gb1

Dennis

"Coal Smoke Is Good For You!"

Reading this thread it struck me that it would be very simple to make your own, if you know how to operate a needle. Just visit your local fabric store and get some black elastic. On the ends, use velcro, or if you want to be more period correct look, hook and eye connectors (otherwise known as those infernal devices that are used on women's bras.............:) )

LOL!

You're leaving yourself wide open there buddy....