As I recall Scott Mann (3rd Rail) ran the 3450 class 'up the flagpole', and got an insufficient number of 'salutes'. Of course, ditto for that road's Prairies (2-6-2), of which there were far greater numbers among several classes.
Yes, I do believe John Smith (Pecos River) has a few 3450-class he's disposing of from time to time. They seem to pop up on Ebay a few times a year. I have a couple....they're very nice models. Typically very reasonably priced, too.
With only a total of 16 engines of the 4-6-4 Whyte arrangement in 2 classes on the ATSF, they are, perhaps, the red-haired stepchildren of the final steam years on that railroad. The "Blue Goose" (The Shopton crew called it the Blue Bird....perhaps a little kinder, more respectful moniker?) was, of course, the darling of the prairie sprinters. But, seeing Rusty's photo above....3460 awaiting the Grim Reaper's Torch...is almost too painful to look at.
(Sniff!)
Of course, a common mantra for this neck of the hobby in particular is always in vogue....'It's your railroad! Run 'em as you like 'em!'
Pickers-of-Nit?.....
....
KD
