It’s very hard to get models of the original Berkshires. For a B&A modeler like me it’s like the Holy grail quest, except I need a few! Anyhow, this one will need to be re-motored, superdetailed and repainted. Other than that I’m stoked, it’s my first Berk!
Is that the Nickel Plate Products version?
Andre
Yes, do you have info on this model?
Nope. I don’t have the Brown Book of Brass Locomotives. From what I remember (and that’s stretching it a bit), these were imported in the very late 70’s or very early 80’s. Other than that, I don’t know. Yours looks like it has much better detailing than the version LMB did in the 60’s.
Andre
Congrats on the Berkshire, an engine that will hopefully be running though its namesake hills. That long trailing truck is fine. A new can-motor scheduled?
What a beaautiful Berk! I always thought that the B&A Berks were the handsomest examples of that particular wheel arrangement, with that overhanging Elesco ‘eyebrow’. Happy ‘tinkering’, I hope it runs as well for you as it looks.
Tom [:P]
The LMB model is very crude. These (NPP) were built by Kumata from what I understand therefore it’s a solid model. Good price $350.00. It needs TLC and detailing. I really wish someone like Division Point would do a version of these locos. They were historically extremely important being the first true “Super Power” locomotives built. They put Lima on par with ALCO and Baldwin. After the prototype toured the T&P they ordered the first of the “Texas” type 2-10-4’s. The T&P Texas is basically a stretched A1 Berkshire. I have the brown book and it lists at $320 originally and anywhere from $280- $350 resale. That’s circa 1994. The “Brass Model Trains” price guide values this model at $450.00.
B&A isn’t a really popular road! To bad, it really has a lot to offer a modeler. New England scenery, 2 track twisting main (low speeds…), and New York Central motive power. Interchange with the New Haven, Rutland, Central Vermont, Boston & Maine, D&H…The “Little Giant” of New England…
The pike I’m building at the moment represents the North Adams Branch off the B&A…When I finally get the basement I plan to model a stretch of the B&A main…New can motor and WEIGHT!
Me too! The NKP types are bleh to me… The originals have that heavy duty, freight mongrel look that I like. Especially the gigantic sand box…
Congrats on the Berk, that’s one beuaitufl steamer [:)]
have fun fixing her up!
I,too am the owner of a brass Berk. it was rescued from an auction for $37.00 no tender, had it fixed up and needed a tender, couldn’t get one but found a beautiful Key brass NYC-12 wheel tender for a 4-8-2 and it looks wonderful, of course a lot of you will cringe at the sight, but this is my only brass and regardless of the silent comments, it looks great.
I love the B&A! If I had to model a prototype railroad, the B&A would be right up there among my top 10 choices! Either as the B&A or as it’s successors; Conrail and CSX.
Make sure you post photos of the finished model!
What they said! Ed
That is quite prototypically realistic actually. Many NYC and subsidiary locomotives inherited “hand-me-down” tenders from other loco’s. I have a Key Hudson tender that I plan to lash to the back of this model and I will use the smaller tender on another piece that I have…
It’s an addictive road…I’ll be up in MA during the fall for a photo-op of the former right of way I’m modeling. Adams, Renfrew, and Zylonite formed the quintessential New England mill town.
If you end up heading to Worcester or Palmer, let me know…
looks like an IC 7000 series lima to me.
grizlump
IC inherited a few…