Here is the first of the Pennsy S-1 castings. This engine will share much of the same mechanism as the T1 (in previous thread). So, it seems natural to do a S1 build.- Jason Smith Tomball Locomotive Works
That beautiful locomotive In 1988, I bought one of those beautiful locomotives as it to me embodies the "Pennsy Steam Look" which is irresitable to me. Pennsy steamers all share a commonality of which I cannot describe that just makes them Pennsy locos until diesels made the picture. I had a few bucks extra and saw a brand new one, undecorated in a now defunct mail order house advertised in the mags. I paid $435 for it which was still a hefty price for one loco even back then. Having had some negative experience with brass loco quality then, I had little or no expectations when I put it on my layout, and it ran like a jeweled Swiss watch. I was on the verge of having a friend and pro painter of models paint and detail it, but realized it had one design flaw. Called accuracy, but the skirting on the tender absolutely forbade any turns even on my 22" radius curves on my old layout. The trucks and wheels were metal and half insulated, but when it hit a turn, the truck would contact the metal side panels and short out. So, I put small pieces of plastic tape to insulate the metal on metal contact. That wasn't the end of my problem. Next, the trucks just didn't turn sharp enough even on 22" radius. This was sort of insurmountable, as I didn't have the space for the necessary turn radius of this beautiful loco. I considered to cut the tender sides to enable more radius, but then said to myself, "Ken, what the heck are you doing????? Then I considered using a Rivarossi long distance tender like the one behind the Mallet. Just didn't look good at all even though I painted the tender brass. I do not display collectable trains, so I regrettably sold my loco for exactly what I bought it for at a parking lot deal at a train show. Worst day of my life except when my dog passed away. Thanks for listening and reading to this point. The photos just sparked a sad/happy memory, and even some melancholy. I will always love that loco. It ran sooooooo welllllllll (on straight track). Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman idush
Well, good, that leaves less competition for those of us who happen to think there is some brass that is well worth it to model specific prototypes. Jason, I continue to be amazed at your work and production pace....Beautiful and Amazing! My only beef is you're building these things for the (ungrateful?) SPF's at the expense of us appreciative ATSF/UP guys... Regards, Otto K., ducking for cover...
Ungrateful? Really? I've been putting my money where my mouth is (when I can) and Jason knows full well how grateful I am for his labors and I know full well where his MRR allegiance lies. He also knows I am "in" for any PRR stuff he creates. He knows I cannot thank him enough.
$435 is still a lot of money for a locomotive today, it was a fortune 25 years ago. Glad it worked out for you though. I've said it before and I'll keep on saying it: Superturbine is an artist and a magician. Incredible work!
That would have been a good one to hang onto. Unlike most brass, that one has actually appreciated in value fairly significantly over the years. -Mark
Well said, Jeff. I recall those days in the late 80's being on the hunt for SP brass steam. I'm thankful I was able to hold on to most of that roster to this day. As for Jason, agreed.
Reply Wow guys, I went several days without checking this thread..... All of your comments are over the top nice. But I guaranty each and every one of you are likely more talented. I've just chosen to put all of my efforts and resources into building steam engine that look like would never get produced or produced again in N scale. I remember the first FEF I built on a GS4 mech..... Ran perfectly and looked almost as good, quite frankly I could not believe it. I took more pride in the engine than any of the other brass FEF's I own. It's a magical feeling (in my case addicting)looking at a engine that you built, want each of you to experience that! PS John definitely don't taken any offence at Ottos comments, he is truly a great guy. I would say the two of you would be pretty good friends if you live closer than across the US. But I must say John, you are truly in the top 1% of Pennsy modelers.
That may be true, but there's a difference between what someone thinks that they can do and those who actually DO. I've very happily bought parts to build two of your engines but have yet to complete one (but I most assuredly will finish both). Dedication and time can be rare commodities especially since time is fleeting and madness takes its toll. But listen closely...not for very much longer. I got to keep control - RiffRaff
Otto, no worries! Just defending my SPF manhood. :cute: I wish I had more disposable income to lay down for these great models- in mutliples!
