Where in the heck can I get MDC & Varney Loco parts?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hello all.

I’ve been going round and round through the internet trying to find someplace that I can get MDC and Varney replacement parts for their steam locomotives. Is there anyone that still supports this engines, or anyone who has a cache of parts I can purchase from?

I just got an MDC SP 2-8-0, and I absolutly love it. The only problem is it’s so worn out that it needs a total overhaul. The crank pin bearings are so worn that the side rods bind up on the axles and the engine jams. The crossheads are very worn and loose in the guides, and the rivet connecting one crossed to the drive rod is beyond salvage. I need a full new set of running gear for this engine, wheels, rods, and pistons. I also have a Varney SP style 4-6-0 on the way that will require a full new set of drive wheels.

Both of these engines were very lucky finds, and fill a niche in a difficult gap of motive power in the southwest. It’s almost impossible to find SP small and medium weight locomotives in anything but brass, which is well out of my budget. I need more, but they are going to take a while for me to locate.

I can’t get over how well designed and built the MDC steam locomotives are. The Zamac boilers add a tremendous amount of weight, and their simple realistic drivetrains lend to easy modernization and repair. There are about a million detail parts out there, so you can dress up these engines any way you like. It’s alot like the real railroads did when ordering their engines. You start with the plain boiler and firebox, then add your choice of wheels, siderods, front and rear truck style, throttle, feedwater heater, superheater, injectors, blowdown system, smoke stack and front end, whistle, bell, headlight, generator, compressor, brake system, sanders, signal and marker lights, number boards and identification, and all the other myriad accessories and options. MDC made their engines in a very smart way, the way Baldwin produced their standardi

2

For the MDC, you might just try Horizon Hobbies. I thought I heard they are gearing up another run of the 2-8-0 with sound. At any rate, they were actively being sold RTR acouple years ago when Horizon bought them out.

3

Matthew:

If your Varney 4-6-0 is what used to be called the “Casey Jones” model, Bowser MFG still produces that model. They bought several Varney dies, and contacting them should make replacement parts for that model relatively easy.

The MDC loco is now part of Athearn/Horizon hobbies, Inc. And I believe their home offices are now in Carson, California. I notice in the ads that MDC steam locos are becoming available again, so hopefully, the SP 2-8-0’s will be among them. Google up the name of both companies, and you should get their websites.

Tom

4

Here is another good site: http://yardbirdtrains.com/YBSVparts.htm

Jim

5

unbuilt MDC kits still show up on ebay , if you could get one a low enough price it could be used for parts . same with built up kits , but they may be more expensive

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I recommend Yardbird Trains as well. Dan is great to work with. [:)]