pdlethbridge,

I sure wouldn't argue with that model ... its close enough to allow some simple, basic kit bashing to turn it into an ICRR ... the boiler and cab look really close, the rest is just detailing.

So when did you say Bachmann is coming out with that one in the Spectrum series 

lanny nicolet

Send me your mailing address off line. I have a Model Railroader "5 easy trackplans" that give a list of material, etc on building simple layouts. I'll be glad to mail it to you if you want it.

lanny nicolet

Okay ... if Bachmann is really interested in satisfying the need for a Harriaman Pacific, how 'bout this one ... straightforward and easy to 'bash' into a large variety of roads.



It would be wonderful to see something like this in the 'near future'  . (Why do I think I'm just dreaming?  )

lanny nicolet

PS ... this was an ICRR 4-6-2 coming out of St Louis back in the 50s sometime.

GG,

Please contact me offline regarding the Spec vandy tender if you still have it.

thanks!

lanny

Sheldon,

I was under the impression that the 2-8-4 was, in fact, a Spectrum product. If that is not so, what will be missing on it that will keep it from being in the Spectrum line? Will it have the same kind of motor/fly wheel mechanisn as Spectrums do?

Thanks!

lanny nicolet

Thanks Paul for the web site Paul.

I used one web site suggested and got a wealth of great photos.

Then, on a whim, I checked Don Ross' web site and wow, there were a ton of DM trolley cars ... the ones closest to the Peter Witt ran from the mid 40s into the 50s when the trolleys gave way to diesel motor bus transportation.

The biggest difference I see is that the Peter Witt has double doors in the middle side, while the DM trolleys had them at the front (as does the Peter Witt) and the rear, with no doors in the middle. So, it will have to be kit bashed to get a true DM trolley. But, looking over the Spectrum photos, it seems like it could be done pretty easily.

I even got one photo in color. Looks like a dark blue and creme color scheme. That will bear further checking.

lanny nicolet

I agree with Gene. Go eBay. Honestly and in detail describe what you can see from your models. Take good clear photos and if you don't want to open the boxes, mention that as well so that people will understand they are bidding on something that is new but hasn't been electrically tested.

Not infrequently I have been amazed by what folks are willing to pay for items I have put up for bid. Of course, at other times, I have been frustrated at seeing some of my really nice rolling stock go for very low prices.

You may want to hold off a bit, until the fall, when folks get more interested in 'inside' hobbies. Then list them. Who knows, your 'suitcase full of trains' may turn into a 'suitcase full of money'.

hope it does!

lanny nicolet

Gene,

I've also found that there is a pretty good market on eBay for steam that is in good condition and runs . I have done a lot of thinning of my 'collection' of nice locomotives to 'pare' my layout down to 1940-1958 or so, steam on the ICRR. I also am completing a hidden staging yard that will hold 2 or 3 trains and modern freight cars that don't fit that era, but will see exhibition 'run' time on my layout on various occasions.

In any case, your P2ks and the PFM at least ought to go for good prices, giving you the means to purchase some new Spec 2-8-4s if they look good. I had an undec P2k Berk that was a beautiful, quiet and smooth runner ... but absolutely horrendous at hauling loads.

Well, maybe ... just maybe ... Bachmann (or some mfg) will come out with a nice Harriman ... there I go, 'dreaming' again

lanny

Hi 'Joe',

Being a 'foaming at the mouth, crazy ICRR fanatic' I agree with you. But economics are economics. The modern 2-8-4s (NKP, C&O, etc) have a greater chance of selling to a lot more modelers than the early super power Berks such as ICRR used.

Do I wish Spectrum would come out with some Harriman model steam? You bet! Will they do that soon? My guess is 'no' (and I hope I'm wrong). There just doesn't seem to be enough market (as far as mfgs are concerned) to support marketing Harriman steam.

So, I probably will buy an undecorated Spec 2-8-4 and get my 'kit bashing' tools out and begin performing 'surgery'. It may not be an exact model like that $1000 brass ICRR Berk I saw recently up for sale on the internet, but I bet I can make the Spec. resemble pretty closely, an ICRR Berk. We'll see.

If only Spectrum would come out with a Harriman 2-8-2! (sorry Gene, I know that's about 600 times now  )

lanny nicolet

Its a 'relative thing'. When I was younger, I thought model train prices were expensive. But then I also thought a nice sized 3 bedroom ranch home with finished basement was very expensive because the asking price was $35,000!

(and I also thought that when, as a public school teacher, I made $10,000 a year teaching, I would really be 'in the chips'. I started at $5,000 a year for high school teaching). But it was all relative ... gas was .25-.40 a gallon, and $50.00 would buy more food than a family of four  could consume in a week.)

One other point you might want to consider ... 'hobbies' are always expensive. In fact, I personally think that all forms of 'entertainment' are very expensive. But people are willing to pay discretionary funds for what they like to do for recreation. It doesn't matter what your recreation is ... fishing, hunting, model railroading, biking, etc., etc., ... all 'hobbies' and recreation are expensive (except maybe for running or walking which only requires the price of a good pair of shoes  )

If you want quality model rr stuff, check eBay. There are some incredible deals available if you are very careful and patient.

finally, remember, the cost of living in general will dictate what hobby stuff is going to cost. Here in central Iowa I recently saw a sign by a Taco Bell restaurant which offered starting wage of $8.50 per hour. Wages like this for entry level help mean that 'stuff' is going to cost more ... all stuff including model trains.

lanny nicolet

Paul F.

Thanks very much for those wonderful websites. I got some great photos of the streetcars and my dear wife clearly remembers the 'modern' ones running by her house as well as riding them to various locations in Des Moines. The "Peter Witt" side door is in the wrong place, but in general, it is close to the DM trolleys ...close enough to justify buying one!   

Jonathan, I had thought of the 'historical society' and was preparing to make a trip there, but  Paul's great research saves me gas money and the addmission price (the 'dime  ) which now can be put towards the purchase of the Peter Witt street car! 

I don't know if I will take the time to 'bash' the door back to the rear as the DM cars did ... will wait until I get the street car to make that decision.

lanny nicolet

Thanks very much, Rich. Very helpful ... all of the suggestions I've received publicly and privately. thanks!

lanny nicolet

Hi All,

Does anyone on the forum have any idea if this type of streetcar was ever used in Des Moines, Iowa (capitol of Iowa)? My wife remembers growing up in a house on a street that was on a main electric street car route, but can't remember if they looked like the Bachman version or what color they might have been.

If anyone knows or has suggestions where to research this I sure would appreciate it!

thanks!

lanny nicolet

Thanks Ray!

lanny nicolet

Rich,

Thanks for the web site. I checked my area for a 'distributor' of that sign board material and there are none. I probably will call some sign shops, though i don't have the 'in' you do 

What about 'foam core' board which is used in matting and framing? Styrofoam sandwiched between heavy paper surfaces. It cuts very easily, is very sturdy and could be 'primed' with acrylic base paint to make it totally waterproof.

What are your thoughts on this material, Rich (or anyone).

lanny nicolet