UP big boy 4-8-8-4 by Tenshodo.
Just arrived from purchase on ebay.
1981 run, factory painted, see through walkboards, boiler lagging clamps, can motor, detailed cab. This model appears to have, at most, just test run and, probably, has been in the box for 25 years. A number plate is below the cab floor indicating year and number of how many made and on the other side of the deck is a crown shield indicating a 'crown' series. Reportedly, only 19 came into the USA.
I put it next to the Key big boy for comparison. As usual, the Tenshodo is longer by several feet as they built the engines around the scale wheels. The Tenshodo has additional details, ie, see through walk boards, wood grain tender deck, lagging clamps but the Tenshodo also cost me twice as much as the Key model. Each has their own merits so it depends on the individual on what he is willing to pay.
ps: that tilted fire box door is an easy fix.
Sam
