( I originally posted this in the Classic Toy Trains forum but someone sent me a message that I should post it here)
Hello,
First I would like to confess to not being a model railroad enthusiast. That being said, I am trying to find information on a kit that came into my possession from my late father in-law. It is a Penn Line K-4 Pacific locomotive and tender. It is in the original box, and as far as I can tell was never opened after it was purchased. The kit is unassembled with the original assembly instructions, parts, etc. The side of the box lists an original price of $34.50. I think it’s from the late fifties but I’m not sure. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks.
(Since I originally posted this I think I confirmed that it is circa 1957)
Thanks for the link! Did Bowser still produce them in metal after they took over the line? Remembering the trains I had as a kid…and the sets I bought for my own children, I was surprised how heavy the kit was. In fact I had to weigh it… 3.2 lbs including the cardboard box. I just didn’t realize that an HO locomotive and tender could weigh nearly three pounds. Thanks again.
Original Penn Line had lead boilers. I believe that Bowser started the zinck/zamack boilers. Even though the locomotive in question is very old it still matches the ones built just last year. Details have been improved and super detail kits are available. Not knowing the product number it may be just a basic kit and no super detail parts are not included. Kits like these have sold recently on Ebay for around $100. If you wait a few years the value may go through the roof. Not because it Penn Line or Bowser but because its a kit. Most newer stuff is ready to run and kits will be highly sought after.
An old Penn Line kit in original packaging could have a certain value to collectors --finding the collector will be one challenge.
Bowser actually changed the K4 kit a few times and old and new parts are not alway 100% interchangable. The old style Zamac underframe, which was prone to cracking and deteriorating, was replaced with a brass underframe. The original lead boiler had sand dome, pipe, headlight and bracket, bell and generator integral to the casting. The casting was changed so those were separate parts. The pilot truck was changed; there were many changes.
I took some pictures of the kit. box, etc. If it is something that would be of interest I’d be happy to post them. Or is a 50 year old kit of little interest since it was produced continuously?
Quote … The kit is unassembled with the original assembly instructions, parts, etc. The side of the box lists an original price of $34.50. I think it’s from the late fifties but I’m not sure. …end Quote
Here are some photos I took of the kit. I thought I’d post them since it sounds like Bowser changed the components after they took over manufaturing the kit from Penn Line. thanks for all the input so far!
I know, I was thinking the same thing. $34.50 in 1957 would have been a ton of money…like you said, $250.00 today. Was model railroading in the '50s expensive in general? If so, what would have been a turning point that made modeling appealing to a broader, less “well heeled” audience?
