Where to find a HO scale G5a 4-6-2 steam locomotive

[KB_TheDireWolf]

CP 1201 a G5a

I have been looking for a HO scale G5a loco online but it seams that nothing is out there

 

[doctorwayne]

Hi KB, and to the Forum.

I'm pretty sure that there are models of that locomotive out there, but most of them are probably brass.  You may be able to pick up a used one at a reasonable price or you may find the prices to be out of your range
Another option is to choose something which looks basically similar and modify it to match your prototype.

While I don't model the CPR, I built this Pacific-type locomotive using a Bowser kit as the starting point, re-motoring and re-gearing it, then adding appropriate details.  The vestibule cab was built right over the stock cab, using sheet styrene.

Bowser locomotives are no longer made, but there are plenty of them around and usually at good prices.  They are kit locomotives, so the quality of them varies with the skill of the builder, but they can be very smooth runners and strong pullers.
The paint scheme on my loco was based on that used by CPR.

Wayne

[steemtrayn]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Van-Hobbies-VH-Canadian-Pacific-CPR-4-6-2-Pacific-1200-Steam-Engine-AMAZING-/191526178573?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c97d98f0d

[snjroy]

Precision scale made vestibule cabs in kit form, but they don't quite match the CP prototype. You can find them on ebay. Miniatures by Eric makes one that is closer to CP.

Wayne, that loco looks great. How did you paint the wheels?

Simon

[yougottawanta]

KB - Did you search through the manufacture web sites and see if any one had one being made ?

[doctorwayne]

Thanks for the compliment, Simon. 
For steam locomotives, I usually brush paint the wheels when the chassis is mechanically 'finished', as this is the best way to get the spokes completely covered.  Then, when I'm airbrushing the rest of the locomotive, I also do the wheels again, mainly to even-out the coverage.  This is done either with the locomotive running or being rolled on a track in the spray booth.  Once that paint is dry to the touch, I clean the wheel treads with a brush loaded with lacquer thinner.
After the paint has fully cured, the tires are whitewalled using a brush - the drivers are usually done under-power (slow to medium speed), while the lead, trailing, and tender trucks need to be turned manually.  It's very simple to do, and was, at one time, a fairly common feature, especially on passenger locos.

Wayne

[betamax]

You could try Credit Valley Railway Co., they may have one in brass, or Lark Spur Line.  Brass is probably what you will have to settle for in this case.

 

Nice to see a picture of 1201 in the sunlight.  Its been locked in the barn for years now, whether or not there is anyone left who can operate it is another question.

Unfortunately the museum is also shuttered because of issues with the roof, mould and asbestos, for the foreseen future.

[CAZEPHYR]

HO Brass Model - VH Van Hobbies CPR CP Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 G-4 / G-4-a #2700 Class Loading zoom..         This one is close, but no cigar.   View All Images

HO Brass Model - VH Van Hobbies CPR CP Canadian Pacific 4-6-2 G-4 / G-4-a #2700 Class   Item No: 056405 Category: Steam Importer: Pacific Fast Mail / Van Hobbies Road: Canadian Pacific Rlwy