I should be drinking a cup of tea during this video. edit: towards the end of the video I literally almost shed a tear remembering all the special memories of my locomotives and going with my dad to trainshows, always wondering what I'll find next. This video is a standout above all the rest of the cookie cutter model train content of these days. Any video that has the power to make me emotional is something special. Thank you for making this.
I have that same Challenger and its a stunning loco. Someone had dropped it so I bought it as a wreck, but luckily I was able to bring it back to life. I also just received a 1977 2 8 8 2. Santa Fe. Even though they are not as powerful as the Red box version, I love that they have pressed steel chassis on the trucks instead of cast and the carters are also metal. The old motors can be serviced and these pick up straight from the chassis, so no problems with the pistons pickups of later models, and not plastic on the valve gear either!!
Wow! My top 5 is eerily similar. I place my PS-4 as top spot on my podium and my empire express at number 2. The remaining engines of my list favors other classes and road names. My red box cab forward takes the lowest spot on my podium for number 3. this is where my list deviates heavily from you guys Great video yet again Will!
Excellent list guys! Not to be biased but I definitely would’ve put the alton at the top of mine. It’s such a beautiful yet basic model of the USRA pacific. The paint is so pretty yet subtle enough that it’s not jumping out at you like the scheme of the crescent and comet. And the drive, both red box and standard line, running amazingly. Both altons I’ve owned, despite the red box which I believe is the one varun showcased in the video being somewhat problematic during my time with it, are incredible engines and definitely have been the most proud to have those engines in my collection. Excellent video once again! I highly enjoyed it!
I was able to pick up an Empire State Express Hudson about 4 weeks ago...red box version and in like new condition! Very rare to find one in Germany! I want to beef it up by digitalising it, it will get an ESU Loksound5 and a steamer, cab ilumination and of course a crew. Now I am searching for the coatches...also not easy over here. Great selection on your lists btw...I have a few of those as well. The Alton is also one of my favourites...
That empire express and Milw. f7 are stunning! they command almost brass prices these days. wish I could afford one (I have a brass southern ps4 - it's gorgeous, which i bought that cost LESS than what these two cost...)
Depending on if we can work something out I’d be willing to repair it for you. If you have discord reach out to me on my server or via DM at gopernoper#8818
I strongly recommend you don’t install it at all, these are extremely rare and valuable engines. Modifying it with a DCC install will ruin the value and running quality. A good example is hard enough to find and DCC’ing it is something you will regret.
