Why is it that no one makes a good, quality r-t-r non-Pennsylvania RR Pacific in HO? Bachmann, Athearn, and MTH (among others) all make Pennsy 4-6-2’s, but no one that I know of makes a Pacific of any other RR. I did a little research, and this might surprise some of the manufacturers, but Pennsy wasn’t the only RR to own Pacifics! [:0]gasp[:0]
All I want is somebody to make a good HO model of a Pacific that isn’t Pennsylvania. coughunionpacificcough Is that too much to ask for?
The B&O Heavy Pacific may do the job nicely. Or any USRA Pacific.
Consider that the PRR Pacific had the power to stay with the mighty NYC 4-6-4’s… awesome.
I too would like a plain pacific that is not IHC.
Does’nt Athern make a Pacific?..What do you consider 'good"?
I would put in my reservation right now if BLI,Bachman,or LL Heritage series were to produce one.
The Athearn Genesis Pacific is also Pennsy. I also consider Genesis to be on the low end of “good,” if that makes any sense.
why dont you just buy a pensy pacific and paint it?
The main reason is that I would want a Union Pacific Pacific, and the Pennsy Pacifics just don’t look like something UP would own. I wouldn’t mind something more generic that is letterd for several roads, though, but the Pennsy’s are just too specific.
The Athearn Pacific is NOT a Pennsy prototype model, and I would consider it on the high end of very good. You can use the USRA tender that comes with it or swap it for something more prototypical to your road as I did quite easily because as delivered it does not incorporate power pick up. I thought that would make it and the Athearn Mikes hesitate and lurch, but it hasn’t, and therefore I haven’t gotten around to adding power pick-up yet. It is the only new non-Pennsy available, as far as I know. As new Rivarossis are readily available as well. And, the brass ones are profilic enough you can usually find a fairly good one of those for a reasonable price also.
I agree how many sound equiped Pennsy pacifics do we need?
I would like to see a BLI B&M P-2 or even a P-4a. Even a generic pacific with customer applied detail parts would be fine.
FYI-The Athearn Genesis USRA have defective drives on them.
I have a IHC F.E.C. {with wrong headlight} And a Beautiful B&O by Mantua.
Look at ads in MRR, there are plenty of 4-6-2’s around.
Flip
I have two IHC Pacifics, with a little TLC these could really come alive.
SOME of the Athearns did develop cracked drive gears. (Mine did and I fixed it) Athearn (Horizon) is getting replacement wheelsets made and you can get one from them as soon as they get them in. (same thing with the Mikes) NWSL has the gear in stock for less than $10. If you have not looked at one of these locomotives, and seen how well they run, don’t turn your nose up. To me, the number one thing with a steam engine is a smooth running mechanism, and this is one of the smoothest.
The IHC also has a good mechanism, and you can add detail to bring it up to par in the appearance department if you like.
But, having said all that, I totally agree, it’s a wonder someone hasn’t come out with a new Pacific besides a Pennsy. That’s a totally non-generic engine. Another USRA like the Athearn or a Southern Ps4 would sell a bunch I bet. If Bachmann would release a Spectrum model as good as their 4-8-2 heavy, and with their pricing, it would look like a ready made hit. I am betting it’s BLI when it does happen. They are the only ones that seem to be trying to come out with stuff people want as fast as thay can in the steam realm.
Beg to differ here…The Athearn/Genesis Pacific is NOT even close to a PRR K4 Pacific.You see the K4 was a Pennsy design engine while the Athearn is of USRA design.
Not being a big fan of the Athearn light mikes, I chose to pass on their pacifics. The IHC light pacific can be detailed into a good looking model, but the low speed performance won’t equal the best of the newer plastic steam. Perhaps regearing it would help in that. I’d really like to see Spectrum, BLI or P2K do an “all up to current standards” model of either a USRA light or heavy pacific. I think the demand would be good for either.
The Southern Ps-4 was actually neither a “true” USRA light or heavy, incorporating features from both, along with some features that were unique to the Southern. To get really close, a low drivered (73") heavy pacific would be the best starting point, but it would take a lot of work. I’d love to see BLI do an accurate Ps-4, but I’m not going to hold my breath on it.
Have Fun,
Tom Watkins
I agree that more different Pacifics need to be done, but unfortunatly for the majority of modelers, the K4 comes to mind, thanks to Lionel including them in so many starter sets, even if it wasnt quite the right wheel arrangement. A BLI southern pacific would be outstanding, but a good diecast boiler like the K4 they are doing is a must, I hate traction tires and plastic steamers just dont pull well.
looks at pg. 23 of Jan. '05 MR
[:(]cries[:(]
When will it end!
Looks at pg. 23 of Jan. 05, MR and is very happy. [^]
Sorry, bro, the old K4s was a really, really great and beautiful engine–none better to me. But I do agree: that should not preclude the production of other Pacifics.
Bowser makes a NYC K-11 and also a USRA light Pacific. Both are all metal and should be good pullers. I believe they offer super detail kits for these locos too. I would give them a serious look.
Good advice, Tpatrick
I might add, that I have resisted–for days–saying that I can’t imagine why someone wouldn’t be satisfied only with a Pennsy K4. But that’s just me, I guess…
Well, Lawrence, I’d be happy with a K-4, but my Denver and Rio Grande Western California Extension has already ‘borrowed’ four Pennsy locos due to power shortages demanded by WWII traffic, and I don’t know how the execs at Pennsy would view my coming at them for more power. Actually, I wouldn’t mind seeing a light or heavy USRA 4-6-2 from BLI or P2K. Preferably a light, since I could do a little kitbashing and turn it into a reasonable facsimile of a Rio Grande P-45. But hey–those K4’s are sure handsome little devils, aren’t they?
Tom