The online brass database makes reference to a Key Imports/Samhongsa-built 1979 model of a Texas & Pacific 2-8-2, as being the Light USRA version (which would be T&P Class H-2) and that there should be 125 models out there. From the description provided I’m thinking they should have been closer to the as-built USRA version.
Note: this should be a different model than the 1981 Key/Samhongsa “T&P 800” H-2R 1930’s Rebuilt version that has the Elesco feedwater heater and other modernized features unique to T&P. Photos of these models with the Elesco fwh are easily found online, and I was fortunate to be able to trade for one model.
In searching online, I have not found any photos or any other information about the 125 engines supposedly imported during 1979. I have not found them offered for sale by anybody, anywhere, anytime recently. Perhaps I need a better search engine?
Would any of the good folks who read these forums be able to provide me some images or other information on these models? Were they actually imported (Sometimes models are still listed that were advertised but never actually imported for a variety of reasons. Ray Brown, when compiling his original Brown Book, used a plethora of advertisements as the basis for part of his data). I am suspicious because most models that have actually been imported seem to appear somewhere on the 'net in photo images.
One question I would have is are the 1979 models actually different from the 75 built in 1981? Or do they all in fact look the same, representing the T&P modifications? Certainly if the 1979 version is different, someday I would like to get one, so that I could have both versions of these interesting models.
Thank you all for any information you are able to provide.
P.S. the website claims they’ve sold them, but there were no pictures saved in the archive. I mainly want to know if they are actually different from the later models.
This may be a bit far-fetched, but is it possible that the same thing happened with the models as did with the real ones? A quick search turned up THIS, which would seem to indicate that the T&P didn’t have them very long.
If the replacements (prototype) were pretty-much standard USRA Mikes before being rebuilt, couldn’t you achieve a suitable result by putting an oil tender behind an easily-found USRA light Mike?
…and a T&P oil-type tender which may (or may not) be suitable, as it’s supposedly meant for a Consolidation.
I do understand your desire to track down the Samhongsa model of what may be the original H-2, but it’s very unusual that there’s seemingly nothing about them on-line.
You may want to contact Brass Trains, as they may have more information on those particular models, including whether or not they were even built.
They received coal versions then USRA wisely allocated oil versions. After 1930s rebuilding with roller bearings on drive axles they performed very well and ran 60 MPH on freight lasting till end of steam. Crews say they rode like greyhounds.
John
PS After rebuilding they had elesco fwh and heaviest axle loading of all light mikes.
This may not be useful information but the December 1977 MR has a review of the Key Imports USRA 2-8-2 which at that time came in four versions: “pure” as-built USRA, and special versions detailed to match UP, NYC, and Grand Trunk engines. No mention of T&P in the review, but it does at least verify that Key was bringing in both “generic” as well as prototype specific versions of the engine as early as '77, so hopefully the '79 T&P version is not mere vaporware.
The price by the way was an outrageous $159.95 [;)]
Samhongsa made the most of the standard USRA light 2-8-2 design. They also produced a B&O Q-3 version for importation by Westside, plus at least 2 NKP versions and an AC&Y version for Key. All of these were imported within a two or three year period, if I remember correctly. Their details were closer than a stock USRA, but I know for certain that there were some areas where the details could have been improved on the B&O, NKP, and AC&Y versions. They were all pretty good runners, like most Samhongsa brass.
I have a model of the Key “standard” USRA Light 2-8-2 that I bought some years ago and modified into a D&RGW 1200 series. It’s a fine runner and with a little additional ballast in the boiler, it turned into a fine hauler. Good luck on your T&P loco–if it’s anything like the other Key models, you’ll have yourself a little gem.
