The NYC used their new GP-20s in the Manhattan westside yards. I used to bicycle over and watch the engines couple up to the freights that would head upstate.

When Tyco brought out their GP-20, a very accurate model with correct numbers, I went out and bought two. They had a power truck in the cab, a big weight and a dummy second truck. There was no frame. Unfortunately the single power truck they used just didn't work well at low speeds. In addition the traction tires caused all kinds of mayhem at switches.

I have seen many of the GP-20s with new mechanisms - Atlas worked well. The shells were nicely done but you had to fill in the little retangular holes used to mount the Tyco drive.

I just looked through nine Ebay pages and don't see anything that is really rare or unique. I've collected most versions of the Mantua-Tyco steamers and I check Ebay regularly looking for Mantua  or Tyco steamers.

Just because somebody finds something new in a box at a garage sale does not make it vintage, rare or unique. Check the Ebay ads for LGB G Gauge track. Somebody is selling a box of track that is "vintage new (whatever that means!)"

I don't mean to disparage anyone who collects Tyco. There were so many versions over the years that someone could assemble quite a colorful collection and do so rather inexpensivel. The problem is that the Tyco made in China was really awful and it gave Tyco a name that it couldn't live down. The locomotives were notorious for running like rockets (if they ran at all).

A friend collects older Mantua metal cars, the ones with loop couplers, these care are definitely rare and vintage.

There was one S-1 and one S-2. The S-2 is the one Lionel chose to bring out in their postwar line which is why the engine is still so popular today. These were beautiful engines but just couldn't compete with diesel engines.

The Pennsy S-1 and S-2 were interesting experiments but I doubt that Bachmann would sell many. Maybe diehard Pennsy fans would want one but these engines are definitely not something that would be worth producing.

There is a Tyco collector's website - I ran across it once. Tyco started as Mantua, then Mantua added a train set line called Tyco. The Tyler family (Tyco is from Tyler Co.) then sold the line to a company who made really junky stuff. The Mantua name came back briefly. Some of the Mantua engines are being re-released by Model Power.

Tyco produced cars in the thousands so most cars are neither "rare" or "vintage" or "collectible." They were trainset entry level items.

I laugh at people on Ebay trying to sell the notorious Chattanooga Choo-Choo as a collector's item.

The metal steamers ran well, even with the little slant motor, and these may have some value to people for parts.

For most serious collectors the Tyco products are curiosities.

There are a few interesting engines and train scenes used in the film "Flags of Our Fathers" including a Zephyr. One engine is, I think, a CB&Q E-7 so the shots must have been done at a train museum.

For  most train footage I think "Danger Lights" and "Emperor of the North" are tied for first place, although there were certainly a lot of trains in "Union Pacific."

Amazon has the movie available on VHS. It was re-released in 1995. Here's the plot: One of the last bills signed by President Lincoln authorizes pushing the Union Pacific Railroad across the wilderness to California. But financial opportunist Asa Barrows hopes to profit from obstructing it. Chief troubleshooter Jeff Butler has his hands full fighting Barrows' agent, gambler Sid Campeau; Campeau's partner Dick Allen is Jeff's war buddy and rival suitor for engineer's daughter Molly Monahan. Who will survive the effort to push the railroad through at any cost?

Silly plot, great trains!

The movie "Union Pacific" is a must for railroad fans. Just ignore the cheesy plot lines.

I'll see if I can find if the movie is still in print. I doubt it is available on DVD.

You're welcome. Good luck modelling the "Susie-Q!"

Incidentally, I wasn't sure if you were referring to the valve Gear on the prototype Erie/Susquehanna engines or the kind supplied with the Bachmann engines.

If you go to the "Fallen Flags" website they have photos of a number of Susquehanna russian decapods. I really like the diesel engine paint jobs that the Susie-Q used.

These Susquehanna engines (class J-2, 2400 series)were "russian"decapods which were either leased or purchased from the erie Raiklroad.

A google search found several pictures and the engines did have Walshaerts Valve gear - the lifting link is very clear in all the pictures.

Ken - I have been a SRRL engine #24 fan for a long time - it is a well proportioned little "prairie" type engine. It has been done in brass.

I don't think a model of this engine would be able to run on 18 inch radius curves. If I remember correctly, the rear axle is inside the frame and that would really limit the engine to larger radii curves.

Very nice. Also note that they are bring out an EBT caboose.

Needing a nudge might mean dirty wheels or track.

True that the Mogul and Bachmann cars are accuracte reproductions of three foot gauge equipment but the prototypes are small.

I have a C&BT EBT three bay On3 hopper. It looms over Bachmann cars.

What I should have said is that the Bachmann people will choose a locomotive that is small, in keeping with the rest of the line and hopefully one that will have a broad appeal.

I like the Tweetsie engine and it would definitely be a good choice. They also would do well with an American (4-4-0) type.

If you are new to this board you know that almost every narrow gauge locomotive ever made has been suggested for production. The Tweetsie ten wheeler is a good candidate because bachmann should already have plans and drawings. Others have been pushing for a 4-4-0 while I (and a few others) would like to see an EBT mikado. Then there are the requests for small rodded and geared engines.

Keep in mind that three foot gauge engines, properly scaled, when put next to the current Bachmann line would be awfully large.