Hi: I'm Don Malm, an N-scaler visiting over from the Trainboard.com - N Scale. I really need to find a non operating, but cosmetically "ok" HO Dockside Switcher. My very best friend has built an HO diorama. He has no room for a layout, but enjoys modeling. He asked to borrow my Varney HO Lil' Joe for pictures. My Dad and I used to be in HO. The B&O Switcher was a personal gift from Gordon Varney to my Dad, shortly after he introduced it following WWII. Of course, it has great sentimental value to me. I have no intention of it becoming a permanent part of my friend's diorama. But, when I saw some pictures taken yesterday, it was just totally obvious that this was the right power for the scene. So, if any of you have one with a burned out motor, I would be very interested in buying it from you. It doesn't have to be a Varney. There have been others. I don't check the HO forum too often, so a PM would be helpful. Thanks for your attention.
Might want to check that interweb auction site, or some of the hobby shops listed in Model Railroader for an IHC Docksider. Cheap, runs fairly well if he ever gets the desire, and looks pretty close to the Varney model, except in plastic. I'm fond of the Varney Docksider. I ran my Dad's around the Christmas tree for years, until I burned the motor out. He just recently found a gentleman that could restore it. The cast boiler is actually starting to crack all over now.
