O scale VGN Berkshires

[NW Modeling List]

Stephen et al,

My 2 cents worth – and worth not more than that – but two thoughts;

1) Yes, Kohs has announced the VGN berk – it is on the web site – but who knows when or if ever it will be done.  Kohs engines are not without their own issues too.  I own a VGN Allegheny and it works well once I took off the working tail piece rollers under the fire box.  But I’ve read some posts on O Scale yahoo sites and had emails from owners that had real problems with Kohs engines – including needing drive rebuilds.  No doubt that for a collector or mantel display they are the best. 

2) I have two Sunset engines now and both have very minor issues but overall I’m satisfied.  I did the review of the AE in O Scale Trains and other than a short caused by a brake hanger there have been no issues and it currently pulls 30 heavy cars without any strain.  The Allegheny from sunset had a lubricator come off – which I repaired – and there is still a faint click somewhere but it too pulls a long train of general freight just fine.

Basically – in O scale if there is something you really desire it’s best to get it when available because it may never be made again – market is just too small.  

And on a happier note – I’m starting scenery on the O Scale VGN themed layout in the attic.  Ya’all come to the Southwest O Scale meet next month ( http://www.swoscale.com ) .  Both the AE and the Allegheny (Sunset) are shown in the videos linked to the SW O meet site.

Michael Ross
Ft Worth, TX

Kohs is doing the VGN BA’s in O scale also.  It will be an more accurate model.
The Sunset Jawn Henry has lighting wiring problems that has not been addressed in the 2 rail version.

I have not seen any support from Sunset to correct this. The last few locomotives that came in from Sunset all had to be returned for repair.



 

Sunset Models / 3rd rail is down a run of various railroads Berkshire 
steam engines.   They had planned to do the Virginian but at the moment 
they don't have enough reservations.  Scott Mann said that if they had 
25 solid reservations he could do the Virginian version with the large 
tender.  People would have an option of 2-rail or 3-rail.  I'm 
estimating the cost to be around $1,600. These engines have never been 
done in O scale and this may be our only chance to get them.  Personally 
I will buy several in 2-rail.


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