Ebay Oddball, not G gauge but still large scale

Garden Railroading
1

Just what did I buy off eBay?

It’s hand built, it’s large scale, but it ain’t G gauge. Near as I can figure this was built for a standard gauge section on a narrow gauge layout. Gauge looks like 2.5" it’s all hand made, even the wheels are turned wood. The drive is a cordless screwdriver and it’s very well done. But it’s going to have to be rebuilt for the outside layout. Haven’t decided what to do with it. Once upon a time I could just grab a couple Aristo centercab blocks, but those are rare as dragons’ teeth today.

&nb

2

Very cool !! You have happened upon someone’s hand built model. Custom, and a one off !! Rare indeed ! The drill bits are a twist…

It’s nice to get away from the mass produced for something genuinely unique.

Paul

3

This borders on folk art. Are you sure you want to alter more than needed to run on your railroad?

4

Yes, I have to. It didn’t come with the recharger, it might also have flat batteries that won’t hold a charge. I’m looking at either a pair of USA NW1 bricks or an HLW Mack. Also the wood flanges are way too thick for my way I’m turnouts. Either keeping the body intact and just modifying the drive area.

5

Got it. A train on the shelf is no fun, after all! Have a great weekend! Eric

6

That is a neat find. Someone had ambition and talent to build it.

I always wonder about something like this. Did the person who built it die and the family sold the stuff? I’m sure there’s a story behind it.

7

Progress on the Hopper, painted it completely since these pics were taken, found a Tamiya paint that was a close match. also added grab irons to the sides.

A couple of pics showing its relative size to some standard Big Hauler car and its right in line with them.

8

The original builder took care to make sure that this would work with whatever else he / she had seen or owned. It makes me sort of wonder if the builder tried to expand an existing starter set. If this stuff could talk! - Eric