What is it about K4s?

[PennsyHoosier]

I just realized I've spent the last 15 minutes dreamily staring at my Bachmann Spectrum K4. Does that happen to any of you? If not K4s, what engines?

[pbjwilson]

Hoosier,
Recently purchased an old Lionel 249E steam engine - prewar. Have it on the fireplace mantle. Stare at it everytime I pass by. I think I stare at my steam engines more than the diesels. THey have more class, more charisma.

[mikebonellisr]

I model the N Y Central. but I also love the look of some Pennsy power.Of course the K4 and the G5 and A5.As a matter of fact,I have painted and decaled some of them for my freelance N Y C.With the incredable detail and lettering, almost all of the NEW models comming out evoke that same feeling.They look so good,I usually wait a couple of months before I super detail,paint and weather them.

[lyctus]

Pennsy Hoosier is not on his own here. I must have my K4 s do a turn around my test track most days just to watch them roll. It looks so good. They are real nice locos. A string of cars behind them, what more can you ask ?

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by lyctus

Pennsy Hoosier is not on his own here. I must have my K4 s do a turn around my test track most days just to watch them roll. It looks so good. They are real nice locos. A string of cars behind them, what more can you ask ?

WHAT MORE CAN I ASK??

A BLI Santa Fe 4-8-4 - - - - died and gone to Heaven.

Have a blessed day and remember SANTA FE ALL THE WAY
Bob

[Fergmiester]

I have a Bachmann post war K4. It's a nice engine but not what I'd call my top three. Pennsy power, though interesting doesn't appeal to me near as much as C&O, CN or (dare I say it) UP. Maybe it's because Pennsy dared to be different and I prefer the old classic lines.

Regards
Fergie

We have way too much ATSF around here!

[Anonymous]

I think we all get off into that magical world,or we wouldn't be able to spend the time and money,that we do involved in this hobby.{we've shed our youth,went on with life,married with bills,worries and strife,but the one thing that keeps me from going insane,A half hour alone just running my trains}Speaking of K4's i bet there will be more than a few of us drifting off to that magical place when MTH releases it's HO scale K4 with sound and smoke.

[twhite]

I have no idea what it is about K4s, or any other kind of Pennsy steam power for that matter. Don't have a K4, and I'm a 'West Coaster' kind of guy when it comes to my steam power (Rio Grande, SP), but not too long ago, my friend at the LHS talked me into getting a Pennsy 'Hippo' 2-10-0. Told me in case any 'rivet counters' visit my Rio Grande layout that it's been 'borrowed' from the Pennsy for the duration of WWII. Sounded okay to me. 2 M1's and 1 J1A later, I'm still 'borrowing' from the Pennsy. Like I said, I have no idea what it is about K4s or other Pennsy power, but they sure are fascinating! Personally, I think it's that European-looking Belpaire firebox.
However, the locos I REALLY stare at whenever I walk past them in the train room are my Rio Grande M-78 mountains. Egad, what handsome little devils!
Tom

[ndbprr]

It doesn't matter what engine or railroad. Every once in awhile something pops out from the scene that triggers something mentally and gives the appearance of replicating the prototype. For a brief instance we are transformed from modeling to railroading. At least thats the way it is for me.

[j1love]

I think that the K4 is the ultimate workhorse. It is not the biggest engine, but not too small either; on the Pennsy it hauled a little of everything and pretty much lasted forever. Going on that line of thought, I think that the K4s may just be the perfect steam engine. (I know they are for me)...just my 2 cents

[Anonymous]

THe K-4 was a "must have" and i don't know why. I have a third rail K-4 postwar and it is simply stunning. I love small steam, and wi***here were more out there. My second favorite is a Weaver G1 in brass also. Having these two engines going on my layout at once is a really great day..[:D]
Bill

[Anonymous]

THE K-4 MADE in Altoona that sums it up. I have 2 1361's, tryin to find an affordable Brass!

[Anonymous]

Enjoy it while it lasts!
With the recent additions of BLI and soon MTH joining the K4 fray, pretty soon they will be as populous and mundane as F units are now![}:)][;)]

[AggroJones]

QUOTE: Originally posted by railguyho
Speaking of K4's i bet there will be more than a few of us drifting off to that magical place when MTH releases it's HO scale K4 with sound and smoke.

I've seen the BLI K-4 and I've gotta tell ya, they look very hard for MTH to beat.

And TEFFY, I've too spent time staring at my SF 3751....tring to figure out a way to make it blacker without repainting it! That uniform gray is sickening. [banghead]

[Anonymous]

Not sure about K4s, never really thought they were that great. The loco I stare at everytime I go down to my trains is my Rivarossi UP FEF-3. So beautiful! It'd look good even if it was in a wreck. I'll tell ya, that loco looks good from EVERY angle.

[Anonymous]

kbfcsme - That engine will NEVER be mundane, EVER. It's like a NYC Hudson or a GG1 - they never get old and you never tire of looking at one. I can spend 10 minutes just staring at the new MTH add.

[PennsyHoosier]

I sure appreciate all the comments. There is something about certain locos. It really is something that these bruising pieces of machinery can have such a beauty about them. Thanks again friends!

[Anonymous]

What is it about K4s?..........................EVERYTHING!!!!!! There's just something about all Pennsy steam!

My favorite PRR steamer is the E-6s..........no, G-5s............no, J-1...........no, K-5...........no, M-1 .......no, S-2...........jeese!!!!

Roger

[twhite]

QUOTE: Originally posted by huber25

What is it about K4s?..........................EVERYTHING!!!!!! There's just something about all Pennsy steam!

My favorite PRR steamer is the E-6s..........no, G-5s............no, J-1...........no, K-5...........no, M-1 .......no, S-2...........jeese!!!!

Roger

[twhite]

QUOTE: Originally posted by twhite

QUOTE: Originally posted by huber25

What is it about K4s?..........................EVERYTHING!!!!!! There's just something about all Pennsy steam!

My favorite PRR steamer is the E-6s..........no, G-5s............no, J-1...........no, K-5...........no, M-1 .......no, S-2...........jeese!!!!

Roger

Huber--CEASE! DESIST! STOP IT! You keep it up, I'm going to be wanting to figure out how I can possibly rectify having a GG1 running through my Sierra Nevadas with no caternary!
Tom

[Anonymous]

I know what you mean about the K-4's. I grew up right off the New York and Long Branch RR, but a little to late to see the K-4's in action. In doing research on the CNJ it was only expected that I ran into dozens of pictures of the K4 in towns that I knew - Red Bank, LIttle Silver, the Amboys etc. I was captivated!! As diesels were taking over, the K4's held on to the end - even given their age at the time. Whenever I see a model of one moving along, I can't help but picture what it must have looked like way back when.

[Anonymous]

I like the 2000 E8's

[PennsyHoosier]

dkelly, that is a great post.

huber, I'm with you, too. Tonight I ran my M1b. My wife fell asleep listening to the sound of the steam. Reminded her of the old days. There are so many great ones from the old Pennsy.