UP 4-8-8-4 big boy Tenshodo model made in 1961 final assembly plus comparisons to present big boy's.
Video:
Yard test. Runs remarkably well and quiet for a 61 year old engine (like 'dog' years, for a model engine that's ancient!).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ugav4bgYcg
The front piston steam pipes are screwed to the piston cylinders.
I cleaned up all the 'fuzzy' dirt.
Some foam to keep the trailing truck from 'flopping around' and scratching the paint.
A huge lead weight in this engine.
The Tenshodo 1981 model is quit a bit lighter; like over a pound!
This paint matched exactly the paint on the engine with a matte finish.
Fortunately, all the 'chips' were on pipes, etc. that are easy to 'touch up'.
Assembled.
HMMMM: I reduced the pictures size from around 5 to 3, figuring it would not need as much light and give a better picture but it seems to have the 'opposite' affect as a lot of the pictures are blurry.
I never claimed to be a photographer!
Fireman's side.
Tenshodo instead of a builder's plate.
Nicely detailed for a 61 year old engine!
From what I have read, Tenshodo were jewelers so they were true craftsman.
Also, this engine came factory painted which was just about 'unheard of' at that 'time'.
Another 'Tenshodo' plate on the tender.
This appears to be a 'paint stamp'.
Top views.
Those 'smudges' are oils from my hands!
Engineer's side.
Had to 'straighten' the 'ash pan' wheels.
Comparison to the 1981 Tenshodo model on the right.
Some 'extra' smoke stack detail on the 1981 model.
Perforated walk boards on the 1981 model.
Very similar. Tenshodo must of used the same 'dies' for all those decades!
1981 has cab detail.
Wood grain on the 1981 model.
Also, it appears the 1961 model has the water hatch on 'back wards'!
1981 has 'boiler jacket stays' plus cab roof rivet detail.
=======
The other two are (from top to 2nd in) are by BLI and Key (1981).
The BLI engine is all cast metal with lighted number boards, marker lights, etc plus a smoking whistle.
Engines seem to 'propagate' somehow!
The last is a 1984 model by Key with all the 'bells and whistles': ie functioning sand hatches and turret hatches.
Apart as installing a decoder. The tape is needed so the hatches on chains don't 'move around' and scratch the paint.
Functioning smoke box door with interior.
Perforated walk boards.
