I’m looking for a source for a non-operating display model of a Western Maryland steam loco in N or HO scale as a birthday gift for a friend of mine whose father was an engineer on the Western Maryland. I’ve seen a few operating models, but they seem rather expensive to have them sitting on a shelf. I’m also looking for a source of a small display case for the loco. Any help in locating either of these items will be greatly appreciated.
Bob
Bob,
My guess is that eBay would be your best bet unless some one who reads this post happens to have what you want.
Bob
Bob,
In HO there are NO actual models of WM steam in the non-operating category. With the sole exception of the Bachmann Spectrum Russian Decapod (WM 1101-1110) there aren’t even any operating WM steam locos available cheap. Everything else is limited availability brass imports.
There are several locos available that come decorated in the WM Fast Freight (Fireball) paint scheme but most aren’t even close to actual WM engines. Mantua has a 2-6-6-2 and IHC makes the 4-6-2 and I believe a 2-8-2 and 2-10-2.
You moight be better off with a diesel as almost every class of diesel operated by the WM is available, sometimes in all 3 paint schemes.
Good hunting!
Roger Huber
Roger,
Thanks for your reply with the info. on WM locos. I found out yesterday that my friend, who will be 89 this year, got the jump on my idea for his birthday gift and ordered a steam loco in WM colors from Historic Rails. Since he will be 89, I assume his father was an engineer for the WM in the 1920’s and 1930’s and thus predated the diesel era. Again, thank you for taking the time to send me the info.
Bob
There actually is a surviving WM steam locomotive that’s displayed in Hagerstown’s Municipal Park. It’s a K-2 pacific with an oil bunker conversion on the tender. It’s been cosmetically restored, and is protected by a wooden shed.
While getting an accurate model of this engine would be quite a stretch, you can get an N scale Bachmann 2-8-0, which isn’t too far off from a WM H-7, and put it under glass for your friend. Unless he’s an avid modeler, I don’t think he’ll quibble about some modest detail compromises…
You can usually find these on eBay for around $40-50, which isn’t a bad deal for a very nicely detailed model.
I modified the front end of mine to more accurately follow late WM practice, but the rest of the model is pretty much stock, and should suit your purpose well.
I also did a K-2 based on a Rivarossi Pacific, modifying the boiler, the dome locations, the headlight and the front end… Not a small undertaking…
Have you been in touch with the WMRHS in Union Bridge? They might be interested in talking to your friend if he has any good stories about his father’s career.
Lee
Lee,
Thanks for the info. I’ll see if he’s interested in visiting the loco on display in Hagerstown. We’re only a 30-minute drive from Hagerstown. I’ll see if he has any stories he’d like to share with the WM Historical Society at Union Bridge. I visited the station in Union Bridge a number of years ago when we lived in Walkersville, MD. As I recall, they were building a N scale layout in one of the upstairs rooms. I’ve bookmarked your website for future reference. I’m building a N scale layout in my basement in a 21’ x 28’ room. It’s a linear walk-around design with a peninsula that goes into the center of the room. The general design is similar to Dave Barrows old Cat Mt. and Santa Fe. I just completed installing the backdrop panels, so, after I get all the joints and screw heads spackled, I can start building the bench top.
Bob