When I was a kid, I saw the actual Chattanooga Choo-Choo in Tennessee (the real engine) and my recollectionn was that it was a big steam engine, maybe an 0-8-0 or something of that nature, but as I Google it now, I'm only finding images of a 2-6-0 with a balloon smoke stack (Again, I am referring to the real engine and not a model train). I could've sworn that the engine had the smaller smoke stack like the TYCO version I had as a kid, but on a green engine, a bigger engine, kind of like the Southern #4501 Mikado.
Could someone verify that I am finding images of the actual Chattanooga Choo-Choo engine and tender or maybe even supply me with an image of the engine? What I am looking to find is an image of the actual engine and not the scale model. It could be that there were different model types called "The Chattanooga Choo-Choo". I don't know.
I've been trying to build my collection with replicas of the engines I have actually seen in real life. I have my original TYCO General I got as a Christmas gift from 1980, but I'm having no luck finding an HO scale Chattanooga Choo-Choo or 4501. In fact, when I do a Google search for an HO 4501, I get nothing back. It's like there's no HO scale version of the engine in existence. I have tried both Google and Yahoo searches. I saw the engine at my local hobby shop not long ago, but now that it's gone, it's been impossible to find anywhere else. The shop-owner says he can order it for me, but I'm not sure which company I should go with. I'd really like to see the different brand variations of it before comitting to one.
The Chattanooga Choo-Choo was an 0-8-0 as seen here:
http://tycotrain.tripod.com/tycotrains/id88.html
Looks great in the pictures!
George V.
A HO Southern 2-8-2 was done as a brass import many years and is extremely rare.
Here's a custom painted 4501.
http://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/Product/Detail/030792/HO-Empire-Midland-Southern-2-8-2-4501-Custom
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
The Tyco one started oiut as a 2-8-0, possibly even a 2-8-2, and as Tyco progressed further and further down the junk scale, it lost wheels and became an 0-8-0 - probbaly because between the poor quality of the loco plus the poor quality of the track, the lead truck would never stay on. Such is what happenjs when a food conglomerate tries to run a train company. No clue, no care. See also GG1's with 6-wheel Alco trucks.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
In regard to acquiring a Tyco Chattanooga-Choo-Choo, there are always numerous examples available on eBay. However, before buying one be aware that this engine has long been regarded as the worse piece of junk HO locomotive ever offered in the history of the hobby!
As Larry points out, accurate representations of the locomotive are rare and expensive.
CNJ831
georgev The Chattanooga Choo-Choo was an 0-8-0 as seen here: http://tycotrain.tripod.com/tycotrains/id88.html Looks great in the pictures! George V.
Can you quote yourself? Sorry - I misread the original question and thought you were looking for info on the infamous Tyco loco, not the original. Guess I need to hold off responding until after 9AM...
My Tyco version is a 2-8-0, the motor's in the tender,too light to move itself. mh.
So that is the replica of the actual engine then? It looks better than the one I had as a kid, also a TYCO, but was solid black.
Thanks, Brakie. That is one beautiful engine.
Yeah, Randy. the one I had was pretty cheaply made. The boiler face would always come lose and hang by the wires of the headlight.
No problem, George. I am now interested in the one you showed me as well.
George, after rereading my original post, I see what happened and the fault is mine. My post was confusing. In the first paragraph, I was referring to seeing the actual engine as a kid and now hoping to find a replica of the actual engine and I am wondering if there might be more than one Chattanooga Choo-Choo engine since all the images of the real engine I have found are of a green 2-6-0 with a red cab and matching balloon smoke stack. This is not how I remember the engine I saw as a kid (referring to an actual engine and not a model) which I am remembering as a larger, heavy steam engine, possibly an 0-8-0 or 2-8-0.
Melvin, I don't think there was an actual version of this loco, maybe you saw a special decorated one for some occasion. The Chattanooga Choo Choo is a song, I don't know who has that green steam loco seen on the web, maybe a promo?Any how the Tyco version's black with white lettering on the tender.
I'm betting, though I will probably lose the bet, the engine you're finding on Google is the one on display at the ChooChoo hotel complex. The one you may remember seeing from childhood may have been over at the Tenn Valley RR Museum, also in Chattanooga.
Below is a link from a Google seach. Probably the Chattanooga Choo-Choo lable because it is in Chattanooga.
http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/2011-01-03-chattanooga-choo-choo_N.htm
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
Boxcar_MelvinGeorge, after rereading my original post, I see what happened and the fault is mine. My post was confusing. In the first paragraph, I was referring to seeing the actual engine as a kid and now hoping to find a replica of the actual engine and I am wondering if there might be more than one Chattanooga Choo-Choo engine since all the images of the real engine I have found are of a green 2-6-0 with a red cab and matching balloon smoke stack. This is not how I remember the engine I saw as a kid (referring to an actual engine and not a model) which I am remembering as a larger, heavy steam engine, possibly an 0-8-0 or 2-8-0.
I live in Tennessee and have been to the Chatanooga Choo Choo complex several times. The locomotive there is the real engine. It was used to run from Cincinnati, OH to Chatanooga, TN and got it's name from the city in TN. I have some photos of it somewhere but not readily accessable. It is one of the old style engines with the wide smokestack. ALSO, there is a great HO model railroad there in the upstairs of the station building that is quite impressive. I belive it is about 70' long and has a 8-9 foot high model of Lookout Mountain at one end. If any of you are in the area I would highly recommend a visit to the complex. The train station is fantastic wiith high dome ceiling and all the old ironwork and there is a great restaurant and bar as well.
*Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
I stand corrected about the engine at the station in Chattanooga, it is not the original but one just like it, a 2-6-0 wood burning Baldwin. Here is a cut and paste from their website.
The first Chattanooga Choo Choo Train was Cincinnati Southern Railroad's small wood burning steam locomotive that started its journey through history from Cincinnati, Ohio on March 5, 1880. Nearly all trains traveling to the South passed through Chattanooga. The wood-burning "Choo Choo" was the first to provide non-stop service.
The men who stood at the controls of these early steam locomotives were rugged individualists. They were men who were willing to withstand the hardships and personal sacrifices associated with this demanding profession. The Chattanooga Choo Choo train engine now on display at Terminal Station is the same kind of wood-burner used on that first run from Cincinnati to Chattanooga in 1880
Also, about the model railroad:
The Model Railroad is 174 feet long and 33 feet wide at its widest point. It includes over 3,000 feet of track, 320 structures, 150 switches, 120 locomotives of all types, 1000 freight cars, 80 passenger cars, three major yards, two small yards, and four passenger stations. This model railroad exhibit ranks as one of, if not the largest, in the world open to the public. A self-guided tour will allow you to browse the landscape at your own pace with plenty of time to read about the history of Chattanooga trains and the unique features of this display. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind experience!
Is it possible that you're thinking of Southern Railway 2-8-0 #630 currently undergoing restoration at the TVRM shops? http://fi-fi.facebook.com/tvrm630?v=info
http://fi-fi.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31069740&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=133698203324855&aid=-1&id=1314483501&oid=133698203324855
Andre
Hi, I believe the locomotive you are referring to is displayed in front of the "Chattanooga Choo-Choo Hotel" in T.N.. To my knowledge, this is the only locomotive that has officially been given this name.
It information is as follows (courtesy of www.steamlocomotive.info).
A photo by Jim Boyd can be seen here, http://www.steamlocomotive.info/onephoto.cfm?display=1134
The only models made similar to this locomotive are brass, and even they would require some slight cosmetic modifications.
Broadway Limited has imported a model that is quite close to SOU #4501, it's out of production, but you can find them on Ebay.
Ryan
Ship it on the Frisco!
Wow, thanks, Farrellaa and I like your signature.
andrechapelon, that is indeed the engine. That is the engine I saw as a kid.
Boxcar_Melvin andrechapelon, that is indeed the engine. That is the engine I saw as a kid.
Glad to have helped. I had a sneaking suspicion that was the engine you were referring to.
Thanks to everyone who helped me with this.