I am new to this forum, but I have been collecting trains for 40 years. I have Lionel Standard, O, HO gauge layouts. I recently stumbled on a train engine and tender at a sale that I had never heard of but bought it because it is simply amazing. I have searched online trying to figure things out, but I need a lot of help. I have some questions. Thank you for any help you can provide. I will attach some photos.
1. The engine and tender are in original boxes that are marked “Perfection Scale Models”. The engine box says “U.P. Big Boy” and the other says “U.P. Big Boy Tender Only”. They both have an MG label and “Max Gray Distributor and Importer”. I can find Max Gray stuff online, but not this exact box/engine/tender. The engine itself has the number 4019 on the sides of the cab. I have found that the real 4019 that was built had smoke deflectors but this model does not. Are there certain searches I should make?
2. The gauge is not identified, but the engine and tender fit perfectly on my Lionel O Gauge track. Because of the train’s size (23 inches long for the engine alone and 36 inches overall) and incredible weight, I was surprised it was O Gauge. This makes it larger than the other Max Gray O Gauge that I have seen online. It does not have pickups between the drivers on the bottom of the engine, so it must be two rail? Can anyone confirm that? If so, where can I find two rail track? I would like to see if the engine works.
3. I did try to apply power to the engine. I have to admit, I had no idea what I was doing. Nothing happened no matter where I placed the wires on the bottom of the engine. However, there are three wires with metal leads that come out of the back of the engine that plug into the tender. When I touched the wires to these, the engine hummed. Can anyone tell me if I can test the engine by applying transformer wires to it and where to place them?
4. Finally, what is the market value of this engine and tender set with its original boxes? I try to insure my trains for value.
Thank you for your help!
