Brass GEM 2-4-4-2 Baldwin Mallet

[knewsom]

Can anyone help me determine the year of a Gem 2-4-4-2 Baldwin Mallet by the box it is in. This one comes in a yellow box, and I am not sure if it is from 63-64 or if it is the version from 82.

Thanks,
Kevin

[SPFan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

Can anyone help me determine the year of a Gem 2-4-4-2 Baldwin Mallet by the box it is in. This one comes in a yellow box, and I am not sure if it is from 63-64 or if it is the version from 82.

Thanks,
Kevin

I have one from '82 and the box color is gold foil. There might be some yellow on the label though.

Pete

[knewsom]

Thanks. Is yours a good runner?

[SPFan]

QUOTE: Originally posted by knewsom

Thanks. Is yours a good runner?

Actually its the worst running loco I have and has always been that way. I had to quarter the drivers but the tolerances are very poor and there is a lot of drive lash. I have seen the earlier models run and they seem to run pretty well. If you are looking to buy one for a project and the price is right ($110 tops) then OK but knowing what I know now I would hold off until I found the earlier version. BTW, there may have been a release sometime between the two you mentioned.

Pete

[nfmisso]

The Oriental Powerhouase version, made by Samhongsa is not as detailed as the Gem model, but it runs incredibly well, as well as the best Kato diesels.

[Anonymous]

The 1982 version of the the 2-4-4-2 had a weird springing method according to the Brown Book which caused the springing to interfere with the drive gear which would account for the bad running qualtities. The earlier versions 62-64 were better runners even though some had a Tyco motor.

Rick

[knewsom]

Thanks. I think I will try to find the earlier version as the one I located sounds like it is from 82. It comes in a yellow box and say IM-105.

Thanks again,
Kevin

[MidlandPacific]

The first edition - '62 run, I believe - comes in a wooden box with a red leather covering. They take some care, but I've been very satisfied with mine: it runs as well as any of my old open-frame locos.