Has anyone ever kitbashed an EM-1?I really don’t have the zillions it would take for brass,even if I could find one.I was thinking of using part of a Big Boy or a Y mallet or something.
I am not a B&O modeller, but let me congratulate you on your good taste. I have always thought the EM-1 was a very attractive engine. Their assaults on Sand Patch are legendary. If you gather all the dimensions you should be able to come up with a good starting point. Best of luck in your endeavor.
According to a B&O railroad site that I found through a Google search, these 2-8-8-4 engines were also known as Yellowstones on other railroads. Unfortunately, no models of Yellowstones have been made except in brass, that I know of.
I’ve seen several posts in threads here about the desire for a Yellowstone model in something other than brass, but so far no manufacturer has taken up the challenge.
Baltimore and Ohio yahoo group is the best place to ask, there are probably many on that group that can help you out.
Bob K.
Modeling B&O through Chessie
Check ebay for RR models, some maybe in parts form, or OK and cheap,
running or not, hackaway and see what you get.
You might check out some sites on the web like Peach Creek Shops or Caboose Hobbies, shops that have a large brass selection. Akane made a fine model of the EM-1 back in the '60’s, and you might find one available for about as much as it would cost to try and kitbash one from a current plastic articulated. I found a used Akane Missabe Yellowstone for about $450, and I’d be surprised if a used EM-1 would run much more.
Tom[:D]
Hi Kurn;
I have not, but I do have some suggestions for you.
The EM-1 had drivers in the around 63" like many of the Mikado models. The Mantua 2-6-6-2 has a drive train that is adaptable to two modified Mantua Mikado chassis. A larger motor with flywheel would be desireable. Bowser has valve gear parts. A small milling machine is desireable. See this article in Mainline Modeler:
Detailing Plastic Models: Bachmann’s N&W J
Mainline Modeler, January 2001 page 64
Making the Bachmann N&W J more closely resemble the prototype
( 4-8-4, “ARNOLD, DAVE”, BACHMANN, N&W, STEAM, SUPERDETAIL, ENGINE, LOCOMOTIVE, MM )
for methodology for scratch building the superstructure.
Have fun.
One of the new importers are bound to come up with one of the yellowstones and maybe the EM1 might be it. BLI is modeling many eastern roads along with some western and we should all keep emaiing BLI, Tower 55 and Lifelike to get someone to build the DM&IR M4 or the EM1. They are different off course but share some basic parts coming from Baldwin Locomotives Works.
Who knows, just keep asking and you might get it.
The Riv Cab Forward is a model of a Baldwin engine and might be a good start if you have the ability to reverse the engine and add a front piolt and a new cab. It is closer than the Big Boy or USRA 2 8 8 2.to an EM1. It also has drivers that are close in size and type.
Good deal !! I remember running a pair of Akane EM-1s on a friend’s railroad way back when they were new. Smoothest running engines on his pike although he had a PFM 2-6-6-2 (??) that pulled a bit better. It sounded like a coffee grinder though.
Chuck
Rivarossi made an HO SCALE YELLOWSTONE in DULUTH,MISSABE & IRON RANGE livery some years back. I got mine off of ebay and haven’t seen another since. Maybe you could try kit bashing a Rivarossi B&O 2-8-8-0 I have seen those on ebay from time to time. If you are patient enough maybe you can get one of the newer production engines.
Not sure how up to date this website is, here’s someone selling an EM-1:
http://www.theoldandwearycarshop.com/victorsbrass.html.html
Good Hunting!