Ever had this happen to you?

Classic Toy Trains Forum
1

In February of this year I saw an Amtrak train speed through Missouri at like 90 miles an hour or so. I noticed that the front engine was a P42DC #204.

And then, a few weeks later I’m in a hobby store and see, an MTH model of a Genesis P42DC, in the Phase V paint, numbered 204! I would love to have a model of an engine that you’ve actually seen.

Has this ever happened to you? You’ve seen an engine with a specific number and then look in a hobby store and realize that they have the exact same one in miniature? Or vice-verca?

2

As a matter of fact I have. Back in the 70’s Athearn made a model of an F-45. BN green paint with the number 6644 (I think, maybe 6642).

Back in about 1978, I was on a tour of BN’s Northtown hump yard facility, and we got to go into the shops, and there it was. I used to have the model, but I got out of HO long ago. I think I still have the photo, but it is a slide.

3

Yeah kind of, I bought a model of a WM pacific # 201 and saw a picture of it in a book two years later

4

no, but about a month ago MR mag ran my favorite locomotive that I used to see nearly every day: FJ&G #21 (or 20?) one of the railroad’s 2 locomotives; S-2 diesels, acquired in the early 40s when the road went diesel earlier than most shortlines. The paint job is nearly identical to the BNSF pumpkin scheme. I say “no” b/c it was custom painted. These paint jobs you can’t buy.

5

I think Lionel, MTH, and K-line would be wise to number and release locomotives with numbers of units that are restored and/or operating. They would probably pick up some sales.

Jim H

6

Yes I have in March 2003. Rode AMTRAK’s Southwest Chief from Chicago to Flagstaff; refuel at Albuquerque and walked to front of train during the refueling and lead unit was Genesis # 100 in the wave paint scheme-would you believe # 100 was the United States Postal Service “Celebrate The Century Express” paint scheme and was here in NE PA at Steamtown, National Historic Site on Labor Day weekend 2000 as the consist was nearing the end of year tour. Of course I have pics in both locations! [:)]

7

Forgot to mention in the above, MTH has both paint schemes; I believe postal in RailKing and special production in wave in Premier.[8D]