There have been "attempts" in 3RO to present the L&N RR M-1 "Big Emma" 2-8-4, generally by just re-lettering the NKP 2-8-4, a failed attempt, in my opinion. I do not own one. The NKP and L&N locos looked nothing alike, save the wheel arrangement. That model does not work.
These photos are of my brass KTM 2-rail version of the Lima batch (Baldwin built two orders, Lima one - the last order, in 1949). It is just posed, of course, as my layout is 3R. I got it from a friend's collection/running 2R layout after he died. It is Japanese (from when their labor was inexpensive) and may be as old as the 1960's, but I am thinking a little later.
So, Lionel - how about a proper M-1 brass boiler on an existing 2-8-4 chassis, with an accurate brass-bodied M-1 tender behind it? I like the recent Early Challenger hybrid in your catalog, but I will not be buying it. An M-1 tender actually survives, but not a loco, unfortunately.
Notice how much bulkier the M-1 is than the L-3 Mohawk behind it. The Central had some compact locos for their wheel arrangements.
