B & O Q 4 / Q4 B 2-8-2 Mikado ( V-2 )

Three years after my initial run of Q 4 s, using the Athearn Mikado mechanism; I am again getting requests for, and orders for this magnificent locomotive . I no longer use the Athearn parts, instead they will now be built using a modified Akane mechanism. The Akanes were rugged models, which ran better than they looked ( they're 2 or 3 feet too long, which ruins their appearance). Looks aside, the Akane mechanisms were good runners, with very well done rods; they have stood the test of time. They were built before the famous brass problems: It runs horribly, and/or it falls apart !

So, you may again order a Q 4 or Q 4 B. If you own one or more Akanes, send it in for recycling. It will get a new can motor which nicely outperforms the old open frame motor. The rear frame area will be of appropriate length, and more realistic configuration. You will get back unused/surplus parts. You can request use of your Akane tender to save a couple hundred dollars, or have a fully accurate Eddystone tender. You can also order a locomotive without a tender !

I am very proud of the Q 4 model as it is the most accurate and realistic Q4 ever offered in HO. Three quarters of the people who bought the (V-1) Q 4s sent letters saying how delighted they were. Try to find another manufacturer who had such a written response. Typical were the words of ex- B&O man, Herbert Marquis, ESQ " It exceeded my expectations, and my expectations were high." He bought two of them.
Sadly, one of the highest compliments occurred at Timonium when two old fellows, who sure looked like engine men, or perhaps Mt. Claire shop men looked and looked and looked at the sample. The angles they looked at showed that they were looking it over as one would a real locomotive. They didn't say a lot, but
A far away, wet, look came to their eyes as they looked at it. Finally, one asked the price, I told him, his head drooped, and they slowly walked away. I wanted to say " Just take it" as they obviously had some strong connection to the locomotive. But I couldn't. It took two weeks to build the model.

I will offer the models at the original price, although it's been three years, as the use of the Akane mechanism saves me considerable time. The price structure is a bit more complex, as the option of using the Akane tender, or ordering with no tender now exists.

The basic locomotive features an engineering grade urethane resin superstructure and other components, many add-on detail parts, which are accurate- B&O specific items- not generic, off the shelf brass castings.
A choice of three footboard, and three road pilots, flared or two piece stack, four different headlamps, and round or flat top trailer trucks is offered,making many accurate road # representations possible. All have the brakeman's cab, and a three man crew. The cab interior is quite complete, with matched board surfaces, ceiling conduit, highly detailed backhead, and a complete Duplex D-1 stoker ( the first complete version ever in HO)

Options at extra cost include DCC or DCC w/ sound, safety chains, and the original equipment Vanderbilt tender exquisitly modeled by Eddystone, and the superior Eddystone cylinder castings.

Finally, if you own one or more Akane Q4s , need only be in good running condition, original box not needed, tender not needed, and would like to sell them let me know. I may be interested, and it's a better use then selling them to some one who will simply tuck them away for another 20-30 years ! Also, you can sell the box, and returned parts, boiler included at shows, or on e-bay, further reducing the cost.

How to Order