CAMELBACK NOTICE:
CAMELBACKS ARE A SPECIALTY OF EDDYSTONE.
We have a large file of Camelback scale drawings, photos, etc. We also have many specialty items such as cylinders, cabs, tenders, domes, fireboxes, etc. Always a minor item in mass and brass production, often the only way to get the Camelback you want is to have it built. We can build you 19th and 20th century Camelbacks of any kind. Driver diameters from 50 to 80 inches, even 56/57 inch drivers! Both cresent and Davis style counterweights. Camelbacks tend to be heavy, well balanced, high output models. Just ask!
CUSTOM BUILT LOCOMOTIVES
Eddystone can custom build steam power in HO scale for you. We use only good quality, proven mechanism parts as a foundation. Some requests are economically feasible, some are not. Typically, reasons for buying custom built models include:
1) The locomotive isn't available otherwise,
2) Prior brass offerings can cost more than they're worth. The price of used brass is mainly fueled by people owning it as financial speculation, and so many locomotives are overpriced if you want to operate them and they're not new. Extra costs which often come with a brass locomotive are hundreds of dollars to get it painted, and in many cases, still more to get to run well.
3) As a collector you may want to own a truly unique "one-off" model.
EDDYSTONE offers two levels of custom built locomotives. The less expensive custom builts use as many currently available components as is reasonable. The overall results are, at a minimum, a fairly good representation of the prototype, which is realistically finished, and runs well. Such a locomotive is like what a skilled modeler gets when they build well from a magazine article about "How I built an XYZ Pacific from a DEF Pacific."What's feasible depends on the owner's budget, and my integrity. I can't agree to do such a poor representation as would undermine my reputation. (If you want a pink NYC Hudson, see Lionel, they offered them in the 1950's).
The top grade of custom building EDDYSTONE does will still, as appropriate to prototype, incorporate available parts in the interest of frugality. However stricter fidelity to prototype, sometimes in matters only a locomotive mechanic would appreciate right away is the reason for the higher locomotive price.
If you want a totally scratch built, all metal steam locomotive, contact Fulgerux in Switzerland. They build for European aristocrats, royalty and the world's wealthiest individuals. They can build you a locomotive which takes a year or more to build.
Custom built EDDYSDTONE locomotives start in the used brass range, and cap in the new brass range. To explore the possibilities, contact Eddystone for a preliminary consultation. If you are comfortable with the initial projected cost, you can request a preliminary design study, which costs. If you buy a locomotive based on the study, its cost is credited toward your final bill..
Here are some prints of custom built EDDYSTONE locomotives. Most are of the lower price range variety.
Reading L3-sa 4-6-0 features a Bowser frame and drivers, can motor, NWSL
28: 1 idler transmission.
Superstrucuture was scratch built. Tender was tooled in urethane, as it
will be called for in future Reading orders. Loco weighs 16 ounces, and
is a smooth, quiet runner. Tender weighs 5 ounces which assures good backing,
and electrical pick up. Prototype pulled Newtown locals, and worked the
Bethlehem branch.
PRR E 6 #1600. This model was built for a man who, as a college student, fired #1600 on the PRSL out of Camden Engine House. This locomotive is a develepment of the Bowser E 6 with Helix Humper power. The locomotive goes way beyond the normal Bowser superdetail kit and it features a correct urethne tender. Owner is wild about it!
B&O T B&O's first mountains were "shop jobs"
derived from 2-10-2s. Mine uses Rivarossi Big Six parts, combined with
can motor, flywheel and transmission, milled brass frame and Bowser drivers.
Detailing includes many add on parts. Model represents a brief period
of swapped tenders. Note loco has pre-1942 lettering, tender has revised
lettering. Model weighs well over a pound and can handle long express
and freight consists.
B&O D 30 Before Life Like came out with their great USRA 0-6-0 you had to customize something to get an accurate D 30. This is an inexpensive Bachmann which runs very well. Not offered as an Overhaul, it is, still, a good example of my Overhaul work. Best way to get a great D 30 these days is to buy it from Life Like, it will cost you less than an Overhaul.
Rutland K 2 Outshopped 6 years ago, this model features a one-off boiler, tender, etc. and is built around a Bowser NYC K-ll drive, with 72" drivers substituted in.. It weights a bit over a pound, and easily handles 25 car freights, with a practical limit a bit over 30. It was built because the K 2 hasn't been offered by anyone else.
N&W Mountain This is the modernized version of the N & W's USRA Heavy 4-8-2. It combines an IHC USRA mountain with a Rivarossi tender. Extra weight brings out the motor's full potential. The IHC was extensively reworked to produce an accurate N&W machine.
C&O F 17 This model is a development of the Rivarossi USRA Heavy Pacific. It was done before the new drive and rp 25 flanges were available. Model is awaiting delivery of correct tender, due this fall. The valve gear was accuratized, weight added, and the locomotive thoroughly reworked to become a very accurate model. It easily handles the heaviest express and passenger assignments.
Erie K 5 This model represents # 2930 in the 1930s,
to haul the Erie Limited in western New York state. It is a development
of the upgraded Rivarossi USRA Heavy Pacific with rp 25 wheels, can motor/flywheel,
and a new, superior transmission.
PRR E6 # 1600 on PRSL This is a highly evolved Bowser E6 It uses, and goes well beyond their superdetail kit. Special work includes an exclusive, accurate Eddystone tender with really well done rivets, scoop controls, etc. Also, the Helix Humper made room for the backhead to be moved forward, it's based on PRR drawings. Loco also has full ash pan, and in depth, complete Walschaerts valve gear and fully detailed cylinders casting. Customer fired the loco in his youth.
DL&W F 14c Consolidation This loco is a further refinement of several built in the 1990s; the frist of which for Steamtown. It now has a can motor in the boiler and 28:1 idler transmission. Drivers are from England, to which have been added etched brass counterweights. Loco was built for a DL&W steam expert and author.
B&O Q4 The Q4 production run was recently completed, Prints here are to demonstrate the level of detail realism, and workmanship typical of my current practice.
