ATSF 4-6-2 #826 model steam loco--restoration?

[toaddawet]

Hey all--my dad was really into HO scale model railroading as a kid (late 50s-early 60s), and still has most of his stuff. His nicest steam loco was in bad shape even when he showed it to me as a boy, and for a few years now I've thought about restoring or replacing it for him as a gift. So I need some help.

Here is a link to a photo set on Flickr of the old loco in its current condition.

Questions:

-Can anyone identify the manufacturer, model #, etc?

-In it's current shape, would it be worth it to try and restore it?

-Does anyone know of a similar model I could get as a replacement?

Dad retires at the end of this year--I thought doing this might be a nice way to remind him how much he liked the hobby, get him interested in it again.

Any help anyone can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

 

[Cjcrescent]

Hey all--my dad was really into HO scale model railroading as a kid (late 50s-early 60s), and still has most of his stuff. His nicest steam loco was in bad shape even when he showed it to me as a boy, and for a few years now I've thought about restoring or replacing it for him as a gift. So I need some help.

Here is a link to a photo set on Flickr of the old loco in its current condition.

Questions:

-Can anyone identify the manufacturer, model #, etc?

The loco was produced by Athearn in the late '50s early '60s. Its prototype was the 4-6-2's of the Boston and Maine, which IIRC were USRA light pacifics. Sorry, don't know the model# etc. It was quite common, (and still is), to put as many prototype markings on one model to sell as many as possible.

-In it's current shape, would it be worth it to try and restore it?

It can be restored, but the worthiness of the restoration would be up to you. IOW, would you be willing to pay the price. To get it to a display state doesn't look to be too hard but if you want it to run as well, that may be much harder, and therefore more expensive. There is also the question of the quality of the metal, (Zamac), used in the construction of the model. A lot of models made from Zamac from those days have developed what is called "The Disease". This is where the impurities in the metal sets up an internal corrosion, and the metal cracks and distorts over the years. Once this starts, there is no hope.

-Does anyone know of a similar model I could get as a replacement?

I believe that the original model was of a USRA light pacific. There are several models of that locomotive on the market now, from various makers. If you go this route, this would be basically, a redetail and paint job.

Dad retires at the end of this year--I thought doing this might be a nice way to remind him how much he liked the hobby, get him interested in it again.

Any help anyone can offer would be much appreciated. Thanks!!

It really would be a nice retirement gift. Think about what I've said. First thing would be to contact any of your LHS, and see if they can recommend someone in the area. If you can't find out any more info, contact me offline.

 

[toaddawet]

It can be restored, but the worthiness of the restoration would be up to you. IOW, would you be willing to pay the price. To get it to a display state doesn't look to be too hard but if you want it to run as well, that may be much harder, and therefore more expensive. There is also the question of the quality of the metal, (Zamac), used in the construction of the model. A lot of models made from Zamac from those days have developed what is called "The Disease". This is where the impurities in the metal sets up an internal corrosion, and the metal cracks and distorts over the years. Once this starts, there is no hope.

Wow--thank you for this great info! I didn't realize there might be people locally that do this type of restoration, so I will definitely look into that. One question I did have--the shell of this loco is plastic, not metal (I noticed what you said about the Zamac problem). The interior stuff--motor, wheels, etc, are metal, but the shell is plastic. Would that still be restorable?

I know the motor in it is shot. I tried to get it running when I was younger, with no luck. I'd love to get it in running condition again, but as you say, it depends on the price. It would be awesome to get it in display condition for my dad, but it would really take the cake if he could put it back on the track and run it again.

Again, thank you sincerely for this great info. This will be a big help for me as I look into this. Much appreciated!

 

[Cjcrescent]

I believe the pilot, and lower half of the boiler is Zamac. If the motor is truly shot a cosmetic restoration will probably be the best you can hope for. But until someone who knows what to look for gets to it, I would assume the motor could just need a real good cleaning/lubing. As long as no windings are damaged, or have come unsoldered from the communtator, most motors will run again with the cleaning. There is a caveat, if the magnet is weaker or lost most of its magnetism over the years, the motor would have to be completely rebuilt, and that probably wouldn't be worth the expense. Let me know what you find in your area.