Does anyone know who made this "beavertail" casting for the tinplate Lionel O gauge Hiawatha, if it is still available, and from who can it be purchased?
Bob Nelson
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I have never seen one, but would like one or two. Let us know when you find them.
Where did you find the picture?
@RoyBoy posted:I have never seen one, but would like one or two. Let us know when you find them.
Where did you find the picture?
Unfortunately, my memory is shot and I don't recall where I found the picture.
Bob Nelson
Try Henning's Trains (Forum sponsor) They do a lot of castings for pre-war trains.
@rrgeorge posted:Try Henning's Trains (Forum sponsor) They do a lot of castings for pre-war trains.
I will! Thanks.
Bob Nelson
Hello ..from what I was told the casting never went in to production ..it was presented to Lionel / MTH as a more proper tail for the Hiawatha ... but did not get the green light ... cheers Carey
@Carey Williams posted:Hello ..from what I was told the casting never went in to production ..it was presented to Lionel / MTH as a more proper tail for the Hiawatha ... but did not get the green light ... cheers Carey
That appears to make sense, because if you look at the Lionel Hiawatha tail cars, the body side panels do not match that casting and would have to be cut in order for it to fit.
@Carey Williams posted:Hello ..from what I was told the casting never went in to production ..it was presented to Lionel / MTH as a more proper tail for the Hiawatha ... but did not get the green light ... cheers Carey
Thanks for that info Carey. Do you know who made the casting?
Bob Nelson
If it is possible, maybe someone can start a list of "pre-orders"? I'd put my name on it.
Don Merz
@Nation Wide Lines posted:That appears to make sense, because if you look at the Lionel Hiawatha tail cars, the body side panels do not match that casting and would have to be cut in order for it to fit.
Excellent point, which brought my attention to the fact that the beavertail casting in the photo is not being attached to a modified (cut) observation car but to the middle car since it has the needed straight end for attaching the casting, However, it has no truck but needs one to work. Obviously, more is involved in this modification than I originally envisioned.
Bob Nelson
I just discovered Carey Williams sent me the original photo from which this topic was started.
Bob Nelson
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As I indicated previously, I took the info provided by Nick and sent an email to "Ed" at the Train Collectors Warehouse asking him if additional beavertail castings could be made. His response follows.
QUOTE
Hi Bob,
I believe only two were ever made by a friend of mine who lived in Texas, who passed away a few years ago. He tried to get Lionel to use it on the 1988? reissue of the Hiawatha but with no luck. The one that I have he gave me and I don’t know what happened to the other as I think he sent it to Richard Kuhn ,who owned Lionel at the time ,to get them interested. It is very well done as he made parts for the space and military industry. If I can be of further assistance please let me know.
Sincerely,
Ed Prendeville
UNQUOTE,
Well, it doesn't appear that additional beavertail castings will be available from the original artist. Does anyone have any great ideas as to how to proceed?
Bob Nelson
