I can find exactly this nowhere currently for retail sale…Not at Broadway or Walther sites. Could it be the same as this at Walther: Powerhouse Series Steam USRA Light Pacific 4-6-2 -
I found this info on the internet"Broadway Limited Imports also has a cheaper line of locomotives (still with DCC and sound) with molded on boiler details and some other omitted features from its Paragon Series (BLI’s standard line) called the Powerhoude [sic]Classics series. Only a Heavy USRA Mike and a Rio Grande C-16 have been released in this series. BLI had a problem with locomotives shorting out for various reasons, but they have fixed this."
Has anyone had any experience with this series or this model. Is it made in Korea?
There was also a very good semi-brass die cast Powerhouse series of steam locos in the '90’s (?). I do not think BLI has made a light Pacific in their powerhouse line; I do have their 2-8-2 in that line.
Cisco - Your description doesn’t catch me as anything recent. Sounds more like you are describing the Powerhouse series of brass/diecast locomotives offered by Sunset Models about 15 years ago. I don’t think they were particularly big sellers as I don’t often see them up for sale on eBay.
The Powerhouse series was released by Oriental Limited in the late 1980s, and made by Samhongsa. They were supposed to be a “runners” alternative to pricey brass models, and were a combination of a brass engine’s drive train and tender, white metal cast boiler, and cheaper brass and stamped metal detailing. IIRC, there were three engines in the line: USRA light 2-8-2, light 4-6-2 and 2-8-8-2 (I “think” there was a logging 2-4-4-2 as well, but I’m not quite sure).
These engines are superb. They run exceptionally well, thanks to their Canon can motor, NWSL gear tower, and LOTS of weight. From arm’s length, they cannot be distinguished from “regular” brass engines. (I’ve got one in my hands as I’m typing all of this). Mine would walk away with 30 cars up a 2% grade on my old layout.
These engines DO show up all the time, both at swaps and on Ebay. They’re still pretty affordable: on Ebay, they go for between $90 and $130, and at swaps for between $100 and $175. Brass dealiers usually have them for about $150.
I’ve got four of the USRA light Mikes, and I love them. They’re not as easy to modify and superdetail as plastic steam, but that’s because the engines are all metal. They’re simple to disassemble and maintain though, and should outlive any plastic steamer currently on the market!
Broadway LTD is coming out with a light 4-6-2 called a powerhouse like their heavy Mike is, but its not out yet. You’ll have to way[sigh] just like i’m.
Thanks Nigel. I’ve actually RUN a couple of the 2-4-4-2s (cute little buggers) but I couldn’t remember if they were Powerhouse engines or full-fledged brass.
