Questions about Gem T1 and 2-4-4-2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

When Gem began selling the PRR T1 in 1968, we hobbyists around Lancaster, PA got the idea there was something wrong with it, and shouldn’t buy it. The cost then was $150. Up until about 3 years ago, they didn’t seel for much more than that. Was there something wrong with them?

I have read on this forum that the Little River 2-4-4-2 that Akane and Gem imported had some type of balancing problem. Does anyone know what it is, plus how to fix it?

Does the 2-4-4-2 sold by Oriental Ltd. have the same problem.

These questions may seem out of date. I am currently reading MR magazines from 1963, that contain exciting news about ASTRAC.

2

Older brass was often unbalanced in weight distribution. Having most of the weight over one set of wheels and not enough on the rest causes poor traction, and poor traction usually leads to poor running.

I don’t know a whole lot about older brass, so some of the other guys here could probably tell you a lot more.