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I just gotta date myself. My all-time favorite locomotive is the pre-1963 Varney diecast Berkshire (2-8-4) locomotive. It was not particularly well detailed even for its time, but the mechanism leaves even the best offerings today in the lurch. Varney machined square ends on the driver axles with precision square holes in the driver centers. There was never a problem with getting drivers quartered so they did not bind. Years ago I purchased many of these locomotives that were in need of repair and have used them as a source of drivers, even rebuilding some of them to represent Ann Arbor H-8 locomotives. Lots of effort, lots of detailing, but ultra reliable and smooth running. And they will pull the paint off a wall at 300 feet.. My second choice would be the super ugly Mantua Mike from the mid '50's, the one with the split frame. They are extremely sure footed and can be made into very nice looking locomotives using the Cary replacement boiler and bags of detail parts. Old fart? You better believe it! Tom
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