There are a few very early models around, but really the 19th century isn't very well represented. It's the old Catch-22...people don't model that time, because they can't find the models, and manufacturers don't make the models because not that many people model that period.
DeWitt Clinton
Stourbridge Lion
I've been re-reading Steam Locomotives of the Reading and P&R Railroads: From 10-Ton Pioneer Engines from 1837 to the Last Giant 220 Ton T1s of the 1970s. That's a long title for a book that covers a long list of locomotive designs.The book starts with early engines that bring to mind brass tea kettles on wheels. I wondered if anyone models the very early era of steam, and if so, where would they find models of those one-of-kind engines, unless they were scratchbuilt. (see Anyone Model the Late 1800's to Early 1900's in HO Scale?).The book continues into the 1900s, after which steam locomotives of a particular design were built in greater numbers. The book describes 10 classes of Consolidated engines on the P&R/Reading plus variations. And even though Mantua models several Reading engines, none proportionally model any of the Reading camelback Consolidateds (and Reading didn't have a camelback 2-8-2).I assume steam locomotives evolved greatly and differently on each railroad. It would seem that the available models cover only a small percentage of all steam engine designs ever built, and we are very lucky to find engines for our favorite railroads.Of course, some railroads are modeled more than others, as well as particular engines. There also seems to be a preponderance of large powerful engines. Perhaps the older, less powerful steam engines would look more appropriate pulling smaller trains on a typical layout.
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading