Will the real Blue Comet... please stand up

No one has made an accurate O scale Blue Comet train set. One challenge is the 831-835 series Pacifics that pulled the Blue Comet have not been done with the correct wide firebox.  It really makes a difference when you compare it to all mass produced CNJ Pacifics to date. 

The other issue is the cars.  The closest I have found is the old All Nation 64' car kits for the coaches and the combine.  Correct length and correct number of windows.  I think I can modify one for the observation.  They do not have paired windows like the majority of steel passenger cars offered in O scale.

Finally the diner was an old wood Pullman palace car that was converted with steel plating on the exterior to match the rest of the train.  Like most Pullman cars, it was an 80' car.  It retained it's wood frame and truss rod suspension system.  Would be a great car to model. 

Would Lionel do this?  Hard to tell.  I've been trying to get 3rd Rail to do one, but the interest in a true scale version doesn't seem to be there with the mass of pretenders on the market. 

Right now I'm converting an MTH CNJ pacific shell to get the details right including the firebox.  I would really enjoy a scale version of this train.

@Frank Marrone posted:

What I would like to see from Lionel is a real “Blue Comet!” One that stays in production like the Polar Express and one that combines the best of all.

While I wish we would see that someday, I think the reality of model railroading means we have to have one or the other. Either we get a limited run (Built to order) scale Blue Comet with all the accurate locomotive details or we get a less than perfect or even toy like Blue Comet that stays readily available. No model train brand wants to keep expensive models on the shelf for a long period of time.

Continuing with your Polar Express example, I think the scale version of the Polar Express was built to order also. You might be able to find a hobby shop with them but Lionel does not stock them. I would be interested in a scale Blue Comet but I am not sure if I could afford one when the time comes so I can understand why manufactures haven't jumped on this.

Swap the four-wheel trailing truck on the MPC version with the die-cast two-wheel truck off a #675, and you've got a Pacific with "The Blue Comet" on the feedwater tank.  Close enough for me!

Jon

Well I think Lionel should make a build to order scale set. I mean they charge $2499 for a Polar Express Acela train? Really, who would want an unhistorical train and pay too dollar. I think MTH had the right idea. Premier, Imperial and Ready to run versions for those who could afford each price level.

just tired of the same old caroling with no new molds. Just repainting of last years models. I’m not putting down polar express, I mean it may have saved the company, but now is the time!

Frank, the last time Lionel made mention of this, a year ago, it was stated that it is the starter set traditional line of trains that keeps Lionel in business and profitable. The 4-4-2 you made mention of, was the best selling locomotive in the Lionel line up for decades.

I, for one would like to hear Lionel say it is the accurate high end scale products that keep them business. But they don't say that. And that won't come true without a massive increase in production run numbers (more customers) and/or massive price increases so that the scale products contribute to the overall bottom line the way the traditional ones do.

The traditional Polar Express was the best selling train set in the whole history of Lionel according to then CEO Jerry Calabreese. But as a general rule, freight train sets outsell passenger sets by a long shot.

Now for tooling: Now is probably not the time. Container shipping rates from the far east have skyrocketed in cost over the past year. We've read much here about some of the recent product quality cuts. For example, the hidden tab freight truck, which many here thought was the best Lionel ever made. Now it's dropped. Why? More than likely, if the tooling hadn't been damaged, the cost of producing those rose so much that Lionel felt the customer wouldn't pay the extra cost.

We've seen an increase in items produced (and maybe tooled... I don't know) in Vietnam. Why? Lower production costs, which are probably being eaten now by the higher container shipping costs.

Despite the increased selection of products in HO, modelers in that scale are still requesting new products. One of the HO companies joked with one maker of those requests saying they are still waiting for the generous, non-returnable quarter million dollar donation to pay for that new tooling.

I'm sure Frank, if you'd be willing to pay for the new tooling, Lionel might be more prone to listen. As well as maybe ordering and paying upfront for the production run yourself, which will be even more expensive because of all the added details you desire. If your idea is indeed as popular and profitable as you think, you should have no problem in making your personal investment back.

It might sound there like I'm being funny or sarcastic but I'm not. The train companies have to make money just the consumer needs to make money to buy them. The market demand HAS TO be there, especially on anything with new tooling. They've learned their lesson the hard way on over production.

Jason Shron of Rapido says anytime customers request a product reissue, he goes to ebay. If he sees lots of that product with soft prices and no takers, he won't even consider it. And that's a reality all the train makers face. Even the HO companies get grief from the Chinese vendors for ordering production runs that aren't big enough and cause them to lose money. If that's true, that might explain some of the paint problems Lionel has run into: The Chinese vendors are trying to reduce their costs to make money on small quantity runs, so they use they use whatever paint they have on hand. That's just a guess, but one that bears some reality.

And the number I hear mentioned a lot in reference to minimum production run is 300, which could vary between Chinese vendor factories. Paint mask minimum is 25. Which I would guess is why you see Lionel and MTH offer one high end locomotive in 6 or 8 paint schemes, hoping to reach that 300 number.

Polar Express gets produced in large numbers because there's continued demand. And then they make more the next year, because they continue to sell. And then they update it or add new features and they continue to sell. That's reality. And more people can buy a set that negotiates a 36 inch diameter curve. The larger the minimum curve needed, the smaller the number of sales. And that's reality too.

Probably the next biggest product for Lionel has been the 4-4-2 steam engine sets, and now the new contender for that honor, the 0-8-0 steam starter sets.

@brianel_k-lineguy posted:

Frank, the last time Lionel made mention of this, a year ago, it was stated that it is the starter set traditional line of trains that keeps Lionel in business and profitable. The 4-4-2 you made mention of, was the best selling locomotive in the Lionel line up for decades.

[...]

A ton of good information here, thank you for sharing all that!

@Frank Marrone posted:

Am I alone in my frustration that Lionel has never produced a real or accurate Blue comet , with ad on cars that have lasted a decent period of time?

Since the thirties Lionel has made several versions of this iconic train. The original commands 12,000 dollars but was more a toy , than serious scale model train.

In the 70’s under General Mills it was produced incorrectly as a 4-6-4 Hudson, unhistoric engine number and without its famous steam chest with “The Blue comet” on the front.

In between Mikes train House doing a ready to run, Imperial and Premier version, Lionel produced a few more. To day either the Legacy version from Lionel or Premier version from MTH are probably the best, however MTH is done and try and find a Lionel Legacy!

A couple of years ago Lionel made a LionChief Plus and once again forgot the steam chest on engine #832 and they are nowhere to be found.

Now we return full circle back to a toy. The new Lionel Blue Comet starter set for children. What do you get for $369? A in accurate 4-4-2 engine with Blue paint. Basically just a copy of Lionel Lines, New York central and many other carbon copy Chinese molded sets. No steam chest (even the 1935 toy had one of them) and cars that look cheap and with the wrong historical drumhead on the observation car. At least the announcements don’t sound like “goofy” like in the Pennsylvania Keystone.

What I would like to see from Lionel is a real “Blue Comet!” One that stays in production like the Polar Express and one that combines the best of all.

A 4-6-2 (Engine 831,832 or 833), with steam chest and blue comet under it. Have passenger cars in the correct blue and cream depicting the sky and sand of the Jersey seashore. Passenger cars with the original names, correct color scheme and for gods sake.... the blue comet drumhead on the rear. There were over 20 historical cars that would provide years of expansion and $$$$$$ for Lionel!

If Lionel really wanted to get fancy you could have the checkered floors, blue curtains, blue seats and blue tinted LED lights. Put real figures in it dressed in 20’s-30’s attire (Like the Burlington Zephyr). Make a correct firebox and maybe flickering as well. Add some announcements for each of the stops (Line MTH) and you would have one killer set that could be accessorized.

There’s the Clinton Station diner (an old BC car) a NJ transit office (another old car) and a ton of other historical items to expand upon.

And for God’s sake let it be available for more than one year! Though not one of the longest standing trains, it still remains on of the most popular and beautiful. I currently own a MTH, I bought a bunch of passenger cars (duplicates) and I am relabeling them (the duplicates) to create historical cars that were never offered. Painting the seats, putting checkered floors in and made a custom drumhead copy of the original.

This money could be Lionel’s. And now with no MTH and limited competitors, now is the time!

Sincerely

Frank P Marrone Jr

38 N Stratton St

Gettysburg PA 17325

Sent from my iPhone

I like this Mr.Marrone. Count me in and I stand with you for this ask.

For anyone interested in the history of the Blue Comet and the consist of the train, I'd recommend finding a copy of Tom Gallo's "Seashore's Finest Train, The Blue Comment".  Not a long book but a nice concise history as well as how to build an accurate version of the train in HO.  The interesting part is that the HO train described in the book was based on a custom built O version done many years prior.  It provides details and great photos of each car and the classic power that pulled it.

I'd like to see this Camelback built in O someday as it pulled the Blue Comet during its later years.  I like this configuration much better than the 10 wheeler version.  Of course I'd want it in 2 rail so Lionel won't be making this.

Who am I kidding.  Not likely than anyone will make it.   I haven't found one in brass O after many years of looking.

My photos from 2010 for the mods ....

@brianel_k-lineguy posted:

And the number I hear mentioned a lot in reference to minimum production run is 300, which could vary between Chinese vendor factories. Paint mask minimum is 25. Which I would guess is why you see Lionel and MTH offer one high end locomotive in 6 or 8 paint schemes, hoping to reach that 300 number.

Polar Express gets produced in large numbers because there's continued demand. And then they make more the next year, because they continue to sell. And then they update it or add new features and they continue to sell.

If it is as popular as you say, and those numbers are accurate, maybe one road name of anything Lionel sells should be Polar Express.  We may not be interested, but the PE fans will, and they can help keep our hobby alive.  Most people won’t notice that a PE caboose or a PE Blue Comet G3 Pacific isn’t prototypical.

Another great book is Trail of the Blue Comet, hard to find and can cost $300. A documentary called Deluxe Trail of the blue comet was also sold at some stores in NJ and excerpts can be found on you tube.

Joshua Lionel Cowan was a constant rider of this train from NY to Atlantic City. It came into existence not long after the stock market

crash of 29, struggled through the depression, had a few accidents including one bad one during a 14 inch rain storm where everything from the tender back )derailed and unfortunately ceased in 41 as WW2

scrap drives and the emergence of diesel took steam out. But this awesome engine is a legend. Even the TV show, The Sopranos had an episode called,”The Blue comet”

Any business has to take risks and I still feel with diminished competition it may be time for Lionel to strike. The creator of Lionel loved this train, MTH had it as a part of its logo and the storyline is great.

Remember Lionel’s Lazer train from 1981? Total junk! I seen a few starter sets like Area 51 that I can’t imagine many people wanting. I know it’s another part of the 0-8-0 paint scheme change with other more popular sets.

with Covid, our train store had a resurgence. I’ve collected Baseball Cards and Trains for 44 years. Last year.... I couldn’t find cards and trains were selling like hot cakes. People stayed indoors and went back to a lot of these traditional hobbies. I turned on person on to the hobby and they purchased four Lionel starter sets. Not bad for the first year.

if I buy my child a blue comet, it would be a 4-4-2 starter but dad wants the real deal. I had the same experience a few years ago with the Burlington Zephyr.  I got grandpas ol Zephyr but when it was released in 2004 as a $1100 set with rail sounds/TMCC, well detailed

with smoke and well lit cars with passengers,rumbling Diesel engine and air horn, I could not resist! These forums are great places To discuss issues like this and I’m sure some people from Lionel, Atlas,Williams and maybe prospective buyers for some of MTH’s steam catalogs will read and see what their serious collectors and customers want and will buy.

Yes, waiting patiently for Lionel to do scale length and accurate Blue comet cars to go with my MTH Premier Blue Comet steam.

If Lionel can do them correctly I will be in line.  I am simply after good quality and accurate models that I can complete my NY&LB themed layout with.  The coaches and observation could be offered in as many as 5 paint schemes over the life of these cars and Devico was painted for NJT as an inspection car. 

Interesting article below with lots of great pictures. 

https://www.railwayage.com/new...shores-finest-train/

I would love to see 3rd rail do an engine and cars in their usual prototypical accurate fashion. It would be the definitive O scale Blue Comet to which no other could compare.

The scale Lionel Blue Comets (legacy & TMCC) have always commanded a premium to other Lionel pacifics and heavyweight passenger cars of their respective year of production. This train has a very strong following in O scale due to the beauty and lure of both the real thing and past models.

I would bet if Scott put up for reservation the very best version of the Blue Comet to ever be produced, it would get quite a few takers who would have no problem with the price.

I would be a buyer for a 3rd rail engine and full consist of brass heavyweight Blue Comet cars.

My favorite

I also wrote to Lionel and received this back a short time ago.

What was that Frank....nothing????

@GG1 4877 posted:

No one has made an accurate O scale Blue Comet train set.

Not disputing this, but in Amtrak's Newark Penn Station there is a display case up near the ceiling over the main concourse holding a few O scale train consists, of which I seem to recall one is the Blue Comet.

And not on topic but still worth mentioning, there is a magnificent large scale Aristo Craft model of the Blue Comet engine, and several custom made cars on display in the preserved Jersey Central train and ferry terminal in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Beautiful train!

Jon

@BigJohn&theWork posted:

I would bet if Scott put up for reservation the very best version of the Blue Comet to ever be produced, it would get quite a few takers who would have no problem with the price.

I would be a buyer for a 3rd rail engine and full consist of brass heavyweight Blue Comet cars.

I have been working on this one for several years.  Time to prepare a presentation to put the bug in Scott's ear about this one again.  It is one of those trains that could be more affordable as a 5 car base set, separate sale locomotive and add-on cars.  Base set could be the combine, diner, observation and two coaches.  A five car set would look good on most layouts too.

@GG1 4877 posted:

I have been working on this one for several years.  Time to prepare a presentation to put the bug in Scott's ear about this one again.  It is one of those trains that could be more affordable as a 5 car base set, separate sale locomotive and add-on cars.  Base set could be the combine, diner, observation and two coaches.  A five car set would look good on most layouts too.

Not sure how I missed this thread. All GGD needs to do is make the cars. Despite what you posted earlier, MTH's Premier G3s is a fairly accurate version. The G3s firebox wasn't as wide as the earlier CNJ heavy pacifics, and if you compare pics of the actual engines to MTH's model, you'll find they're darned close. It's certainly closer than stuff in other gauges like the Aristocraft G scale one, or Broadway Limited's HO version. And I've got to think it's a heck of a lot cheaper to produce passenger cars than an entire engine and tender.

And what would they need anyway? Giacobini would be the most difficult, since it's an old truss-rod heavyweight diner. 8 identical coaches with different names (if they want to provide add-ons rather than just a 5 or 6 car set). 3 identical observation cars (and I believe GGD may already have an observation with the recessed end and large passenger platform which would require minimal tweaking). 2 baggage cars, 2 combines. That's FIVE car designs, for a lot of guaranteed money in their pockets. When the inaccurate stuff shows up on ebay, it's gone in short order at top dollar prices. At least get Scott to toss around the idea and see what a pre-order results in.

I've literally got almost as many Blue Comet cars (11) as CNJ did (16), but none are accurate. I've painted 4 myself, and I've picked up MTH's feeble "Premier" 5 car set and 2 car add-on (where they just painted their other offerings in BC livery. C'mon, roof AC ducts on the Blue Comet?) because I found them at stupid way below MSRP prices at one time or another (and I've seen what they usually sell for on those same auctions). GGD prices seem to hover around $300 per car, and I'd gladly pony up $1500 for an accurate, detailed 5 car set (which is all they'd have to design, the rest, which is gravy, is simply changing car name decals), though I'd probably rather see the 5 cars comprised of a combine, diner, 2 coaches and an observation car, which was probably the most common consist.

@Magicland posted:

Not sure how I missed this thread. All GGD needs to do is make the cars. Despite what you posted earlier, MTH's Premier G3s is a fairly accurate version. The G3s firebox wasn't as wide as the earlier CNJ heavy pacifics, and if you compare pics of the actual engines to MTH's model, you'll find they're darned close. It's certainly closer than stuff in other gauges like the Aristocraft G scale one, or Broadway Limited's HO version. And I've got to think it's a heck of a lot cheaper to produce passenger cars than an entire engine and tender.

And what would they need anyway? Giacobini would be the most difficult, since it's an old truss-rod heavyweight diner. 8 identical coaches with different names (if they want to provide add-ons rather than just a 5 or 6 car set). 3 identical observation cars (and I believe GGD may already have an observation with the recessed end and large passenger platform which would require minimal tweaking). 2 baggage cars, 2 combines. That's FIVE car designs, for a lot of guaranteed money in their pockets. When the inaccurate stuff shows up on ebay, it's gone in short order at top dollar prices. At least get Scott to toss around the idea and see what a pre-order results in.

I've literally got almost as many Blue Comet cars (11) as CNJ did (16), but none are accurate. I've painted 4 myself, and I've picked up MTH's feeble "Premier" 5 car set and 2 car add-on (where they just painted their other offerings in BC livery. C'mon, roof AC ducts on the Blue Comet?) because I found them at stupid way below MSRP prices at one time or another (and I've seen what they usually sell for on those same auctions). GGD prices seem to hover around $300 per car, and I'd gladly pony up $1500 for an accurate, detailed 5 car set (which is all they'd have to design, the rest, which is gravy, is simply changing car name decals), though I'd probably rather see the 5 cars comprised of a combine, diner, 2 coaches and an observation car, which was probably the most common consist.

Maybe they could partner up with MTH to announce a run of the G3 and GGD coaches with matching paint! @sdmann @GG1 4877

I have nothing literally nothing from CNJ in my collection, but the Blue Comet is iconic enough train that I would pony up for a complete set. that was 99% accurate.

@GG1 4877 posted:

For anyone interested in the history of the Blue Comet and the consist of the train, I'd recommend finding a copy of Tom Gallo's "Seashore's Finest Train, The Blue Comment".  Not a long book but a nice concise history as well as how to build an accurate version of the train in HO.  The interesting part is that the HO train described in the book was based on a custom built O version done many years prior.  It provides details and great photos of each car and the classic power that pulled it.

I'd like to see this Camelback built in O someday as it pulled the Blue Comet during its later years.  I like this configuration much better than the 10 wheeler version.  Of course I'd want it in 2 rail so Lionel won't be making this.

Who am I kidding.  Not likely than anyone will make it.   I haven't found one in brass O after many years of looking.

My photos from 2010 for the mods ....

Not a huge B&O fan, but this is one of my favorite locos at the museum!

@Frank Marrone posted:

...... without its famous steam chest with “The Blue comet” on the front......

Frank P Marrone Jr

38 N Stratton St

Gettysburg PA 17325

Sent from my iPhone

Frank,

I believe you are referring to the feedwater heater.  The steam chest being the block the cylinders and valves are mounted in.  I am not trying to be rude or nit-picky, but it was a little confusing reading your entry.

JHZ563

To correct and add to some of the above statements...

1. The Blue Comet's last run was on September 27, 1941. Prior to the start of USA involvement in WWII.

2. Locomotives 831-832-833 were repainted into black and used on other CNJ passenger trains until scrapped in early 1950's (1954-1955)

3. While employed as Product Manager at Aristo-Craft Trains in the early 1990's,  we offered a G-gauge/1-29th scale Blue Comet that included blue/white checkerboard square tile design on interior/vestibule floors, an accurate dining car (interior had lighted table lamps) with steel plate and truss rods and a correct recessed rear vestibule area on observation car (which has not been otherwise correctly modelled?)  with Blue Comet drumhead.

4. Perhaps the last authentic operation of a former CNJ Blue Comet passenger car in 'Blue Comet' style mainline passenger service was in early 1980's when my wife and I chartered the NJ Transit NJT-1 (former observation CNJ #1178) for a private trip from Newark, NJ to Bay Head Jct., NJ and return. The car operated on the rear of a North Jersey Coast train with a portion over former CNJ Blue Comet trackage(now NJT) between WC Tower/Woodbridge Jct. and Red Bank...complete with repro but lighted Blue Comet drumhead on the rear with CRRNJ kerosene markers! The entire NJT train was turned at Bay Head so the observation was properly positioned for return trip to Newark.  A special menu was printed that featured 'Chicken Cordon Bleu Comet' and served on actual blue china dishes.

A 'much younger' Walter with parents Walter F. and Anne awaiting departure from NJT Newark Penn Station. The original Blue Comet train personnel wore blue uniforms and I, as trip host,  had on a blue tuxedo!

Walter

All photos Walter M. Matuch collection

Cool story, and cool observation car! JohnA

@West Side Joe posted:

And not on topic but still worth mentioning, there is a magnificent large scale Aristo Craft model of the Blue Comet engine, and several custom made cars on display in the preserved Jersey Central train and ferry terminal in Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Nothing like having a model that's missing parts predominantly displayed in public.

Rusty

@Rusty Traque posted:

Nothing like having a model that's missing parts predominantly displayed in public.

Rusty

Aristocraft did such a nice job on the passenger cars, I never understood why their engine was so underwhelming.

ARISTO-CRAFT Blue Comet Pacific had all the details. The one shown in photo at CRRNJ Terminal display is missing the feedwater heater, front pilot, bell and whistle. It was not donated to Liberty State Park in that condition. I know because I brought it there myself over 20 years ago direct from the Aristo-Craft warehouse in Jersey City.

The Blue Comet passenger cars were not custom but were regular production items. Dining car referenced from CRR-NJ drawings scaled down to 72ft chassis but the coach and observation car were measured from prototype references. I had the design engineers climbing all over the prototypes. Blue Comet combine was never made by Aristo-Craft.

Walter

@Walter Matuch posted:

To correct and add to some of the above statements...

1. The Blue Comet's last run was on September 27, 1941. Prior to the start of USA involvement in WWII.

Not quite correct:   the USN was involved in active combat operations in the North Atlantic months prior, and a great number of changes in the economy and other spheres of life during the months of 1941 prior to the attack.  Whether the last run of the Blue Comet was a direct result, and indirect result, or a coincidence, I cannot say, but quite a few things changed in the US caused by WWII but prior to Dec 1941, including changes on the railroads.  Full-on US involvement came as a surprise to no one:  it was the exact timing that a surprise.

Corrected to: Prior to start of US declaring that state of war existing with Japan and Germany in WWII.

I have the MTH version of this locomotive, but it is a bit lacking.  With some rework it will be a decent stand in.  I still don't like the rendition of the firebox.  While the 831-835 series Pacifics had a less pronounced Wooten firebox, the MTH version simply puts the cutaway on the cab and calls it a day.  I think with some brass sheets I can fabricate something to correct it.  However, I am actually more interested in the 1950's appearance of those locomotives to go with my 1950's 2 rail NY&LB theme.  I bought a PS1 version that was upgraded to PS2 to rob parts for my 2 rail one, but it was nice enough I haven't done it yet.  Now to find a junker version as the doner.

Finding the spoked wheels for the lead and trailing trucks would also make a huge difference.  However, this is a good start.  Not the hardest modeling project I've ever worked on.  I'd still love to see one done correctly in brass.

For GGD to do the cars there are two scenarios.  One would be to do them using injection tools in plastic, but then the minimum run would total out to be at least 1000 cars.  I honestly don't know if there is a market for that or not.  Of course they could be offered in all sorts of fantasy schemes as well as other anthracite roads that ran similar cars.  I'd be in for a set for the BC as well as a later "JERSEY CENTRAL LINES" lettered set in 2 rail and then I'd either sell my All Nation cars or finish them and have a larger fleet.  The other option and more likely one is to do the set in brass but then the cost would run around $500 a car based on the current market. 

Here is a link to the prototype.

A sample of an All Nation baggage coach that needs a minor modification for the vestibule on the baggage side and a repaint

@GG1 4877 posted:

I have the MTH version of this locomotive, but it is a bit lacking.  With some rework it will be a decent stand in.  I still don't like the rendition of the firebox.  While the 831-835 series Pacifics had a less pronounced Wooten firebox, the MTH version simply puts the cutaway on the cab and calls it a day.

So, is it that the firebox should extend out laterally past the drivers sort of as seen here?

I bought a PS1 version that was upgraded to PS2 to rob parts for my 2 rail one, but it was nice enough I haven't done it yet.  Now to find a junker version as the doner.

It is quite fetching.

About the Jersey Central baggage/coach combine, the All Nation N&W prototype kit can be made "spot on" for CNJ.

Wht I did was cut off the baggage door and window from each side and swapped them, left side for right side.  Then, add the vestibule doors, made with some sheet aluimunm. Of course  with that, the car becomes longer and the roof and floor needs to be extended.  A piece to stretch the floor was easy to add.  I used a piece of milled roof on hand that matched the one in the AN kit.  Another way would be to replace the roof and floor with new stock.   When done I put on the long road name, letter by letter. Decal sets that I looked at, all seemed to be for 'Jersey Central Lines'   

S. Islander

A prototype Jersey Central  "Blue Comet" locomotve, resplendent in its Packard Blue coat, at Alantic City.

It was a darker shade than I've seen rendered on models and some recent prototype CNJ car re-paints, but it was not quite so dark as B&O's 'Royal Blue'.

S. Islander

@rplst8 posted:

So, is it that the firebox should extend out laterally past the drivers sort of as seen here?

It is quite fetching.

That is exactly what needs to happen with the firebox.  It makes the locomotive quintessential CNJ!

@S. Islander posted:

A prototype Jersey Central  "Blue Comet" locomotve, resplendent in its Packard Blue coat, at Alantic City.

It was a darker shade than I've seen rendered on models and some recent prototype CNJ car re-paints, but it was not quite so dark as B&O's 'Royal Blue'.

S. Islander

S. Islander, this is a colorized photo (as indicated in the lower right corner), so it may or may not be an accurate representation of the actual Blue Comet colors.

@CNJ #1601 posted:

S. Islander, this is a colorized photo (as indicated in the lower right corner), so it may or may not be an accurate representation of the actual Blue Comet colors.

Agreed.  Nicely done by Patty Allison (Imbued with Hues), as are several other locomotives/trains she's done over the years, but I think that she chose the color in each case to be pleasing to the eye rather than for historical accuracy.

One could always ask her though ...

Mike

Still love the colors! no matter what version!

Here`s my MTH 10-1062-1 Baby Blue comet in tinplate with the 600 series Pullman cars!