Carey, thanks for sharing another blast from the past!
It would be interesting to learn if Corbin and Bill Lenoir knew each other. Both hand built beautiful models in O scale. Corbin was big on Burlington, while Lenoir modeled his favorite road, the Chicago Great Western.
I fail to understand how the high priced imported plastic locomotives have become as popular as they have? I'm well aware it's a personal matter, however, before I would invest in today's plastic junk (symbolically also known as a Chinese sailing vessel if you will) I much prefer the hand made models built by gentlemen like Corbin and Lenoir. Not to forget the excellent brass models imported over the years, as well as the modern imports from Rich Yoder, to name one current importer.
Example: BrassTrains in Florida recently offered a 2 rail brass unpainted US Hobbies Union Pacific Big Boy Built in Japan by KTM for $950.00. It's sold, but there is also a Williams 3 rail brass factory painted UP Big Boy (#4020) currently listed for $995.00. Overseas shipping, insurance, and customs, puts it out of reach for me, however, if I resided in the States, it'd be mine today!
Happy Rails
Joe
