"O" scale 4-6-4 Hudson Locomotive

[Anonymous]

Hi, call me Jese. I am a member of the Tehachapi
Railroad Club and for a little over two years ago
I've been maintaining an HO layout. Here is my
problem: Last week we came across a beautifully
detailed "O" scale New York Central Hudson with
this info in the right front side of the boiler,
"American Locomotive, 1941, Company Limited".
Its made of brass and in great condition. It is
so detailed that it looks like prototype material.
Dealers in town, club members and old timers in
modelling say they have never seen such detail in
their lives. The locomotive bears the number 5314
and is of the J1a-e class. I have found ALCO models ads in several magazines from 1974 through 1982, advertizing HO and O scale locomotives and the company was located in New Jersey. Is there anyone out there that can help me out? I would
like to know whether it was built by this model
manufacturer or was it built by the locomotive
company itself, or any other manufacturer.
thank you, Jesse

[Anonymous]

Hello Jesse, I have done some further research on the engines that I just bought and the 4-6-0 is a Pennsy G5-s that was built up to scale from scratch. The engine number is 5734 and I will be researching this engines prototype this weekend. The other, a 4-4-0 is built up to scale from a combination of 80% brass and 20% white metal and may be an early Japanese kit. Like your recent find the detail is wonderful and right to scale.
I hope to get both engines in running order and
complete a proper restoration. I was lucky to find
several articles on building the 4-6-0 in early copies of MR and MRC from the thirties through the
fifties. I believe this unit is from prewar years.It would be wonderful to identify the builder, but it will prove to be a difficult task.
The National toy train Museum in Strasburg PA. was
very helpful in providing information. Both of these engines are of two rail construction,what is
yours?. The excitement of finding such engines is
incredible, as I am sure you will agree. Good luck with your find,regards Barry

[Anonymous]

Hi Barry, good work on your research. I beleive
my 4-6-4 is also 80% brass and 20% other, like
the rods, brake shoes or pads etc. and it also
runs on a two rail system. Please provide me
with a website or address of The National Toy
Train Museum in Strasburg Pa. Thanks, Jesse