Hello all
1938 HO gauge invaded the model train world ..with Varney , Mantua , American Flyer , Knapp and Walthers all introducing their new lines.
Bill Walther's an old standard gauge modeler jumped into O scale at the end of 1934 and bought out Frank Taylor's HO scale " Taylor Made " line of trains early in 1938 ...headliner piece the Milwaukee Road high stepping F6 Baltic ( Hudson ) steam engine.
The F6 with it's 80" drivers made it a race horse clocking in at over 100 mph during test runs.
The Baltic in kit form listed at $30.00 ...about $5.00 more than Varney & Mantua engines ...more than twice the price of Knapp and Flyer engines . RTR the Baltic was an exorbitant $75....same price as the Lionel 700E!
The Baltic was sheet brass shell and cast bronze chassis construction. New plastic "Tenite " hubs used on drivers for 2 rail operation. Tenite is not known for durability...so please click link for the rare chance to see a Walthers Baltic in motion .
Cheers Carey 
