Crovan Steamers
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2026 3:13 pm
Hello all
With luck I'm back
Minton Cronkhite sold Liberty Electric in 1928 .... taking head craftsman & machinist Otto with him ...being burdened with excess money he opened Crovan with his neighbor Vanderhoof to build and sell O scale model trains ...hoping to cater to the rich and wealthy in the NYC metro area with the growing model railroading field.
Minton bought from all the builders Egolf , Alexander , & Icken ..so comparisons could be made and improved upon .
Crovan pieces were expensive ..and judging by remaining examples, sales were not stellar ...Minton may have been the best customer .
In the 1929-32 period there was much learning and improving going on ... construction and detail was constantly being pushed forward ...rich men with money fueling the desire for better quality pieces so when they entered the club with a finely fitted traveling case ...pulling out the latest fine creation immediately caused envy among all peers...... result next day rich guy #2 is on the phone ordering the same engine only better ..
Please see link for video of some Crovan K4's circa 1928-31
https://youtu.be/yFt_28tOieY?si=p7iSjMHsIIskOhNy
Cheers Carey
With luck I'm back
Minton Cronkhite sold Liberty Electric in 1928 .... taking head craftsman & machinist Otto with him ...being burdened with excess money he opened Crovan with his neighbor Vanderhoof to build and sell O scale model trains ...hoping to cater to the rich and wealthy in the NYC metro area with the growing model railroading field.
Minton bought from all the builders Egolf , Alexander , & Icken ..so comparisons could be made and improved upon .
Crovan pieces were expensive ..and judging by remaining examples, sales were not stellar ...Minton may have been the best customer .
In the 1929-32 period there was much learning and improving going on ... construction and detail was constantly being pushed forward ...rich men with money fueling the desire for better quality pieces so when they entered the club with a finely fitted traveling case ...pulling out the latest fine creation immediately caused envy among all peers...... result next day rich guy #2 is on the phone ordering the same engine only better ..
Please see link for video of some Crovan K4's circa 1928-31
https://youtu.be/yFt_28tOieY?si=p7iSjMHsIIskOhNy
Cheers Carey