I have finaly procured a John English Yard Bird model of the Pennsy 0-4-0. It is the model my father got me when they first came out in 1950. That model is beyond repair and sits as part of my old station scene.
Question - Does anyone have an idea where I could get the valve gear kit for this.
I found the article in the 1950 MR on detailing the model. I was going to do that in 1951, but only got as far as the valve gear, which is now long gone. I would like to see if I could do as good a job now as I tried to do in 1951. But first I need the valve gear kit. Now that is a long shot, but I found the engine, so, I try.
That’s a great link that Maxman gave you–if you contact them and they can’t help you, you might also try Bowser/Cal-Scale. I think that they put out eccentric gear sets for the original Varney Dockside that might work for an 0-4-0 switcher. Also, PSC models in Montana (not to be confused with the PCM that is part of Broadway Limited) might have eccentric gear sets that can be adapted. PSC carries a lot of the older Kemtron castings, and I know that Kemtron offered detail parts for several early HO manufacturers besides offering a line of brass locos and tenders themselves.
The set I have for the valve gear is from Central Valley. It was their kit #K-12. I don’t know when I bought this but it was a very long time ago, probably in the late 50s or early 60s.
There is a Yardbirds Yahoo group and those guys might know exactly what you need… and where to get it. I’ve copied the mail there for about a year and there are some extremely knowledgeable people in that group. I wuldn’t be surprised that there aren’t several who have the engine and maybe have done exactly what you want to do.
Sorry if I implied that it was available. It is promised, along with my Yard Bird, to a fellow that I’ve been communicating with on line.
I was attempting to give others specific information so that they can refine their search for it. The list price when I bought it was $3.25, and everything sold at list in those days. I was earning about 75 cents/hour at the time.
I do have many items that I am considering selling after over 50 years in the hobby but haven’t put together any list yet.
Thanks for all the responses. I have tried all the links, but this seems to be a rare find. I will continue to try to get lucky. Any assistance will be appreciated.