CN U4

[don7]

Can anyone give me some information as to who the manufacturer was and when was this model produced.

This is a recent addition to my CN roster.

[Dr_Gonzo]

I’ve got one in my collection that was passed down from my father when he went to the dark side (N-Gage). They were made around 1985 and imported to the US. I can’t remember the price but they were advertised in MR and they were cheap. I want to say under $100 but I don’t think that is right.

Compared the Van Hobbies GTW version I have, the detail is soft, the factory paint isn’t the greatest (I think its too light of a green) and would be better off stripped and repainted. I plan to get the brass number plates from the CN-Sig if I ever decide to make it a rebuild project.

On the whole, its not bad. It looks like a U-4a and at the time it was inexpensive compared to the competition and unless Rapido blesses us with real engines [:D] it is one of the few games in town.

[don7]

I’ve got one in my collection that was passed down from my father when he went to the dark side (N-Gage). They were made around 1985 and imported to the US. I can’t remember the price but they were advertised in MR and they were cheap. I want to say under $100 but I don’t think that is right.

Compared the Van Hobbies GTW version I have, the detail is soft, the factory paint isn’t the greatest (I think its too light of a green) and would be better off stripped and repainted. I plan to get the brass number plates from the CN-Sig if I ever decide to make it a rebuild project.

On the whole, its not bad. It looks like a U-4a and at the time it was inexpensive compared to the competition and unless Rapido blesses us with real engines it is one of the few games in town.

Thanks for the information.I have never run across this model before, nor am I familiar with the label.

When I set it besides my Toby 4-8-4 U2 it looks quite good. While the Toby is not treamlined and has an amazing amount of detail the U4 being streamlined does not look out of place, being shrouded hides most of the detail.

I am surprised, the motor is a can motor and it runs very well, quiet and smooth, good slow speed control. There is a backhead in the cab and it is very detailed. It actually is a fairly heavy engine.

While, I am not really a fan of streamlined steam locomotive for the price $175.00 I am glad to have acquired it.

.

[Dr_Gonzo]

That’s a steal! I take it you acquired this at that heartbreaking auction in Edmonton? Only heartbreaking as I didn’t hear of it until today!

[don7]

Yes, I did the on-line bidding at the auction.

I assume you looked at the items at the auction.

The prices were for the most part low. There were only a couple of items that went near the going rate and those items were more or less collector’s pieces.

I got a bit carried away when I ran across a CPR Van Hobbies 4-8-2 and ended up in a bidding war.

So I filled a spot on my CPR Roster that I was not sure if I would ever find one. These are rare and I did pay the going rate.

The engine is in pristine condition, unfinished brass with no tarnish.

I was surprised to see it run so well, it is one of the later PFM and has the can motor and finished backhead even though it has the enclosed cab…

[Dr_Gonzo]

I did take a look this afternoon and was floored by the prices. Seems the larger CPR engines did fetch better prices, but I’m wishing I bid on the Van Hobbies Royal Hudson! I have the Tenshodo model and while it looks okay, I think the VH takes the ribbon!