Loco for B&O Capitol Limited

[Anonymous]

My husband and I have inherited an HO collection of B&O Capitol Limited heavyweight Pullman passenger cars. The cars are a deep Royal Blue with gold lettering. These were an Athrean/BevBel project of about 15 or 20 years ago. We want to find an appropriate steam locomotive to pull this beautiful train. I have been to several B&O theme websites but have not learned much. I would like to find a 'passable' loco, one that could be easily re-detailed or painted if needed and try to keep it under $150 or so, as compared to a near perfect high dollar brass reproduction. [ We want to preserve our brass budget for our On3 interests] There is a ready-to-run loco for the B&O Presidents currently available, but it is a 2 tone light and medium blue, and lettered for the Presidents, not at all a match for the Capitol Limited. Can anyone with B&O knowledge please help us find a loco for our train? We live out in SP country, so non of our friends can help. Jennifer [and Mike] PS I'll also be posting this on the model train forum.

[Anonymous]

The President Pacifics, when new, were painted Green with Gold lettering and red and black acents. In the later years of B&O steam, the passenger engines were painted the same Blue as the cars, with Yellow/Gold lettering.

[Anonymous]

You might try an Athearn USRA Pacific 4-6-2. They are nice models and very similar to the B&O USRA engines. I think they were either P-5 or P-6 class. They come painted black which was also acceptable for these engines. Not all B&O Pacifics and passenger engines were painted Bando Blue as people tend to believe. The engine should also have the power to pull those cars. The light blue/gray engine you've seen is probably the Rivarossi (AHM) USRA Pacific. I don't know where they came up with that paint job but it's hokey at best. The original P-7 President class Pacifics were painted olive green and were later repainted in the Bando Blue scheme which fits your cars much better.

While I'm not an expert I have a lot of B&O info and books and would be glad to help you with your project. Email me offline if you need any other info.

Roger

[AltonFan]

The stock Mantua Pacific was based on the B&O President class, although it will need some detailing to make an accurate model. Check the magazine index, there was an article in Model Railroader about detailing a Mantua Pacific to make it more closely resemble a President. Some hobby shops might still have the kits on the shelf.