Mid 1930's old school style

[Carey Williams]

Mid 1930's as the scale Model train world made inroads into the Tinplate train world Model Railroader and Model Craftsman were the only conduit to many modelers for modeling tips , plans, and sources for parts, kits, and ready to run trains . The depression still effected many would be home Empire builders. O scale modelers could be classified into 3 economic stratospheres ...the very rich bought beautifully detailed models by the best builders, , middle class could by kits , and there were those who could buy a few components and rely on their talents to build the dream Empire.
This train dates to the mid 1930's ..originally outside 3rd rail...purchased parts Lobaugh screw drive, drivers , motor, wheels, couplers all available mail order . The builder from Arkansas created an outdoor layout completed a Pacific locomotive and a string of freight cars . Construction began on a second engine but never completed .
Engine ( no tender ) weighs in at 14 pounds! Completed train takes on more of a folk art flare then a scale Model ....but runs as smooth as any of the high end models .
action video link
https://youtu.be/WsV8Rgcf0V8
cheers Carey

[up148]

Wow! That would have inspired many young boys to want trains in their future. Really outstanding for what it is and probably about as state-of-the-art as you would find for that time period. Very talented builder.

[De Bruin]

Impressive train given the context, would like to see what that Pacific's drive looks like too.
Very cool, Carey you sure have a nose for the older hand-crafted models.
Kudos.