Scratch or ???

[up148]

This Big Boy is listed on EB as KTM built, but no way. Any thoughts?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/318182261392?_ ... R67T3ci4Zw

[Pacific Limited]

Scratch built or old kit, see Cary on that. It’s nice for what it is. Not a Japanese import that I would think. Spoked wheels on tender, that’s creative. Not a 4000.

[bob turner]

That's quite a collection. A lot of hints that it was indeed Japanese, perhaps "one-offs" prior to IMP going into production. Note that they are all outside third, all but the Diesels have the same gearing, and all approaching IMP quality, with brass cast wheels.

As I understand it, our occupying forces contracted with craftsmen for these sorts of things - Max Gray considerably "upped" the quality.

The GP7 appears to be quite good. Not at all sure it came from the same source.

[up148]

Well, as for being detailed correctly, there is more wrong with it than right. But, look at that hand built $17K BB sold by BT last month, it had a ton of wrong detailing too. Not my up of tea, but there seems to be a lot of buyers today for models that aren't even close to the prototype.

[Rufus T. Firefly]

They have a fair amount of interesting stuff listed and some that I might bid on, too. But not knowing if I'd have to convert it from outside 3rd rail and insulate drivers, etc., I'm just sitting back and watching. I've bought enough work for a lifetime and see no need to add to that now.