Does any company make this locomotive?
Unfortunately for we fellow Yellowstone freaks, the only HO models of the M3-4 Missabe Yellowstones are brass imports. They have been put out over the years by Akane (1960’s) PFM, Westside and PSC. I think Division Point has also offered them. Except for the early Akane models, which lack fine details (but run quite well with a little ‘tinkering’) and seem to run in the $400-$700 range, the other models are quite expensive, running in the $1400-2000+ range (at least the models I’ve seen).
A good RTR plastic model is very high on a lot of modeler’s ‘want’ list, but so far nobody seems to be listening. If you don’t mind used brass and don’t object to adding details from either Cal-Scale or PSC, the Akane’s are a pretty good loco. They run well (with tinkering) and will pull like a team of oxen.
I’ve got three Akanes. Two have been re-motored, all three have re-worked drive trains, and some of the details have been updated. But I like 'em, and they’ll pull the spit out of any other loco I’ve got. And I’ve got some pretty heavy-duty brass steamers on my roster.
Tom [:)]
I’ll second that notion. Maybe as time goes one of the model makers will catch on. If done right maybe like the LifeLIke 2-8-4 with different dies but some standardized parts they can multi-make several 2-8-8-4’s like the B&O and the Great Northern, maybe the non-cab forward SP one. For now if your serious for one now check ebay often they show up fairly often as Akane had a pretty sizeable run. I bought mine off ebay and learned my engine was a NEVER run engine. Stashed away boxed up, very rare to find like that like the Winton 2-6-6-6 kit I have, never built, 40 years old… good luck we hope the model market kicks it in sometime.
While its true they are one of the oldest models produced (1960) and though the Akane M-3 is not detailed quite as highly as some later runs they are a true brute when it comes to hauling scale tonnage. and never fail to impress the crowds.
Mine is shortly do for upgrading but for years has pulled her tonnage with nary a complaint.lol
It wouldn’t be a real accurate model, but I have often toyed with the idea of converting an old junker AHM cab forward, that I paid $2 for (bought from AHM itself at one of their famous “Roundhouse Rubble” funeral sales), into a “sort of” Yellowstone. It would need to be rewired to get the tender connection back to the cab end, a new cab, mostly new details on the boiler, a real pilot and some other changes. As for the tender, also not totally accurate but I was able to purchase an AHM Big Boy tender for $5 at a swap meet.
One advantage of getting older is that you squint more and as a result your modeling LOOKS better to you. On the other hand, I’ll be dead before I ever get to this project.
Dave Nelson
I have been using the same method to make something like an SP AC-9. I rebuilt the drivetrain with a new motor and gear reduction units, then added a Bachmann GS-4 cab and modified skyline casing. The GS-4 also supplies the pilot. As for the tender, I’m still kind of trying to figure it out.[banghead] It is still a long way from being done, but it is one of my projects. I don’t need it to be exact, as it will be painted for my own road.
Dave,
I saw one done. The cab was a modified Kemtron/Cal Scale ‘All Weather’ one. The tender was off of a AHM ‘Big Boy’(with the rivets sanded off, weld seams scribed on). The engine had a lot of new castings/piping. It was ‘undecorated’ at a train show, but operational. The next step was painting. Lots of work, but this was before the new M-3/4 engines were imported. Of course, that was 20-25 years ago!
Jim Bernier
CB&Q:
Beautiful model! And I see you up-dated some details on it, also. I’m with you, I like the Elesco FWH better than the Worthington that comes on the model. Gives it an even ‘hunker’ look. And those basic Akane mechanisms are absolutely indestructable.
Nice job! [bow]
Tom [:D]
You’ll find it in retired brass only.
I’m personally hoping for a C&O H-7 from BLI or MTH. Lionel has already done one in O scale.
The H-7’s were used by the C&O but sold used motive power to the UP to make room for the H-8. So they (BLI/MTH) could do paint schemes for both railroads, doubling their market.
The 2-8-8-2 arrangement, along with the tank up front, and feedwater heater placement gave the H-7 a VERY distinctive look on the C&O heavy hauler lineup.
