Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

WooHoo! Just bought a nice brass fixer-upper..... B&A A1b!

1837 views
17 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
WooHoo! Just bought a nice brass fixer-upper..... B&A A1b!
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 12:58 PM

It's very hard to get models of the original Berkshires. For a B&A modeler like me it's like the Holy grail quest, except I need a few! Anyhow, this one will need to be re-motored, superdetailed and repainted. Other than that I'm stoked, it's my first Berk!

B&A A1b Berkshire

 

 

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: California & Maine
  • 3,848 posts
Posted by andrechapelon on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:14 PM

Is that the Nickel Plate Products version?

Andre

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:22 PM

andrechapelon

Is that the Nickel Plate Products version?

Andre

 

Yes, do you have info on this model?

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: California & Maine
  • 3,848 posts
Posted by andrechapelon on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:43 PM

Hudson

andrechapelon

Is that the Nickel Plate Products version?

Andre

 

Yes, do you have info on this model?

Nope. I don't have the Brown Book of Brass Locomotives. From what I remember (and that's stretching it a bit), these were imported in the very late 70's or very early 80's. Other than that, I don't know. Yours looks like it has much better detailing than the version LMB did in the 60's.

Andre

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
  • Member since
    July 2009
  • 236 posts
Posted by Robt. Livingston on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:55 PM

Congrats on the Berkshire, an engine that will hopefully be running though its namesake hills.  That long  trailing truck is fine.  A new can-motor scheduled?

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 1:59 PM

What a beaautiful Berk!   I always thought that the B&A Berks were the handsomest examples of that particular wheel arrangement, with that overhanging Elesco 'eyebrow'.   Happy 'tinkering', I hope it runs as well for you as it looks. 

Tom Tongue

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:00 PM

The LMB model is very crude. These (NPP) were built by Kumata from what I understand therefore it's a solid model. Good price $350.00. It needs TLC and detailing. I really wish someone like Division Point would do a version of these locos. They were historically extremely important being the first true "Super Power" locomotives built. They put Lima on par with ALCO and Baldwin. After the prototype toured the T&P they ordered the first of the "Texas" type 2-10-4's. The T&P Texas is basically a stretched A1 Berkshire. I have the brown book and it lists at $320 originally and anywhere from $280- $350 resale. That's circa 1994. The "Brass Model Trains" price guide values this model at $450.00.

 B&A isn't a really popular road! To bad, it really has a lot to offer a modeler. New England scenery, 2 track twisting main (low speeds....), and New York Central motive power. Interchange with the New Haven, Rutland, Central Vermont, Boston & Maine, D&H.........The "Little Giant" of New England.....

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:03 PM

Robt. Livingston

Congrats on the Berkshire, an engine that will hopefully be running though its namesake hills.  That long  trailing truck is fine.  A new can-motor scheduled?

 

The pike I'm building at the moment represents the North Adams Branch off the B&A......When I finally get the basement I plan to model a stretch of the B&A main.......New can motor and WEIGHT!

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:06 PM

twhite
I always thought that the B&A Berks were the handsomest examples of that particular wheel arrangement, with that overhanging Elesco 'eyebrow'. 

 

Me too! The NKP types are bleh to me... The originals have that heavy duty, freight mongrel look that I like. Especially the gigantic sand box......

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Memphis, TN
  • 3,876 posts
Posted by Packers#1 on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:15 PM

 Congrats on the Berk, that's one beuaitufl steamer Smile

have fun fixing her up!

Sawyer Berry

Clemson University c/o 2018

Building a protolanced industrial park layout

 

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 4,115 posts
Posted by tatans on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:24 PM

I,too am the owner of a brass Berk. it was rescued from an auction for $37.00 no tender, had it fixed up and needed a tender, couldn't get one but found a beautiful Key brass NYC-12 wheel tender for a 4-8-2 and it looks wonderful, of course a lot of you will cringe at the sight, but this is my only brass and regardless of the silent comments, it looks great.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:24 PM

I love the B&A! If I had to model a prototype railroad, the B&A would be right up there among my top 10 choices! Either as the B&A or as it's successors; Conrail and CSX.

Make sure you post photos of the finished model!

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:26 PM
What they said! Ed
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:33 PM

tatans
found a beautiful Key brass NYC-12 wheel tender for a 4-8-2 and it looks wonderful, of course a lot of you will cringe at the sight,

 

That is quite prototypically realistic actually. Many NYC and subsidiary locomotives inherited "hand-me-down" tenders from other loco's. I have a Key Hudson tender that I plan to lash to the back of this model and I will use the smaller tender on another piece that I have........

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:35 PM

TrainManTy
I love the B&A!

 

It's an addictive road.....I'll be up in MA during the fall for a photo-op of the former right of way I'm modeling. Adams, Renfrew, and Zylonite formed the quintessential New England mill town.

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 2:36 PM

Hudson

TrainManTy
I love the B&A!

It's an addictive road.....I'll be up in MA during the fall for a photo-op of the former right of way I'm modeling. Adams, Renfrew, and Zylonite formed the quintessential New England mill town.

 

If you end up heading to Worcester or Palmer, let me know...

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • 1,205 posts
Posted by grizlump9 on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 8:52 PM

 looks like an IC 7000 series lima to me.

grizlump

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Bronx, NY
  • 381 posts
Posted by Hudson on Thursday, July 16, 2009 1:13 AM

grizlump9

 looks like an IC 7000 series lima to me.

grizlump

 

IC inherited a few....

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!