Locomotives of the Empire Builder |
Since switching to O gage almost 30 years ago, I have been attempting to assemble a complete representation of Great Northern steam in O scale models. I still have many of the HO GN engines that I painted, some over 40 years ago. A separate page is planned for those models. Here is a gallery of both prototypes & O scale models of Great Northern steam |
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A-9 class 0-6-0 Switcher |
A-9 at Fargo date unknown. |
 This recently acquired model was built by the late Bud Jaggers. The mechanism is being rebuilt by Dave Brown. When he finishes it I'll redetail it before re-painting. It is one of five unfinished models acquired from the estate of Mr. Jaggers in late 2009. |
B-13 class 4-4-0 Americans |
This is an AHM 4-4-0 Crossing the trestle to Fidalgo. It is a stock model that needs modification to represent a GN loco.
B-13#103 is the closest loco to the model I have. It is seen riding a gallows turntable, perhaps at Vancouver. Date and Location unknown. It received a new boiler in 1908, was renumbered 219 in 1944 and finally sold for scrap July 6, 1947.
This recently acquired model was built by the late Bud Jaggers. The mechanism is being rebuilt by Dave Brown. When he finishes it I'll redetail it before re-painting. It is one of five unfinished models acquired from the estate of Mr. Jaggers in late 2009. Examining pictures, it appears to be a B-13, which is the only class that had the bell between the domes.
E-6 class Ten Wheelers |
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 The 930 is a PFM import that draws so little current, a Tsunami runs it! |
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The 933 appears to be the prototype for the 930 that PFM imported years ago
F-1 class Consolidation |
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 This recently acquired model was built by the late Bud Jaggers. The mechanism is being rebuilt by Dave Brown. When he finishes it I'll redetail it before re-painting. It is one of five unfinished models acquired from the estate of Mr. Jaggers in late 2009. |
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F-8 class Consolidation |
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 F-8 #1152 switching cars at Cashmere on the O scale pike. |
F-8 #1178 is seen fresh from the paint shop at Minot December 1941 |
The 1152 is about to work the barge slip at Fidalgo. It was scratched built and Dave reworked the mechanism. It has a can motor and like the 1147, its running mate a Tsunami. |
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F-8#1147 is based on the locomotive displayed at Wenatchee. It was built by Jerry White for Larry Muir and I was fortunately enough to acquire it from his estate. I added a can which draws a low enough current to allow a stand alone Tsunami. |
F-12 class Consolidation |
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F-12 consolidation #1326 seen above at Butte in 1944. GN acquired sisters 1326 & 1327 from the Butte Anaconda & Pacific. The locomotives became surplus on the BA&P after that road electrified. Left above and beside, the GN model is an old Thomas 2-8-0 kit that has been heavily modified with many brass castings, a new pilot deck, and a new tender. The next modification will be removal of the Young valva gear and a more accurate handrail around the smoke box. The tender superstructure is from an Oriental Limited import with a scratch built frame and brake rigging. |
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G-1 class Twelve Wheeler |
G-1 # 410 at the Columbian Exhibition at Chicago in 1893 . It was soon renumbered 610. |
 Model of a G-1 # 410 on the pike. |
This engine has a very interesting history. It was built in Japan the late 50's and imported by Bill Ryan of PFM. It was a one of a kind model at the same time as batch of HO gage G-1's. It some point it was sent to Fred Icken who rebuilt the mechanism. It was part of an estate in San Antonio Texas, when I purchased it. I rebuilt it again with a Pittman can motor and re-painted. She now carries the number 606. GN re-numbered all the G-1s from the 400 series to the 600 series in 1899. Before being placed in service, I'll add a Tsunami. The orange wiring is under the cab is for the rewiring. |
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G-3 class Twelve wheeler |
G-3 #748 at Kettle Falls in 1948. |
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G-3 #748 on a caboose hop rools through Cashmere. Thanks to DCC it is possible to have markers that light separately from the headlight. |
The 748 is another scratch built engine built in 1991. I asked the late Doug Cockerham to rebuilt the mechanism. It was one of the first engines Doug Cockerham did. I painted it and installed a Tsunami.
