Extra details on a K-4s

While a stock out of the box version, the Sunset K4 has lots of nice details you might consider adding to your Weaver.  It also helps to look at photographs of specific locomotives.  The K4s received nearly every form of variation one could think of over their lives.  Beyond the well documented pre/post war looks variations include skyline casings, disc drivers, front end throttles, and all sorts of minor modifications you could use to make yours unique.  Some even retained their standard issue PRR coal shovel until nearly the end.

@Trainwreck nate posted:

I just picked up a weaver K-4s this weekend. I plan on upgrading to tmcc. Will also be weathering but want to add some extra stuff. I have seen before people adding cab curtains. Are these customs made or is there a place to get some. I already have a couple of K-4s so want to add something different to this one. Any ideas or pictures would be greatly appreciated.

Despite that fact that Harry Heike adds cab curtains to every steam locomotive under the sun, on the PRR they only added the curtains in Winter weather.  In the warm weather that nearly all of us model, there should be no curtains on PRR steamers.

First question - is the appearance pre-war or post-war?

@Prr7688 posted:

First question - is the appearance pre-war or post-war?

Sadly it’s post-war, still waiting to get a pre-war.

@Trainwreck nate posted:

Sadly it’s post-war, still waiting to get a pre-war.

There's many variations for the post-war K4's so depending on how much effort/ your modeling skills, there is a lot that can be done!

Take a look at Kohs Brass K-4's they are highly detailed and may give you some inspiration.

@Trainwreck nate posted:

Sadly it’s post-war, still waiting to get a pre-war.

Funny.  I prefer the postwar version.  I love the cast pilot in lieu of the slatted one.  However, I also model between 1953 and 1957 and if I recall correctly maybe only one or two K4s kept their pre-war look by 1953. 

I agree the Koh's model is a beautiful model.  You might also look at the Precision Scale models.

A useful resource if you can find it for a reasonable price is this book.  I haven't checked prices lately, but a nice library resource for any PRR K4 fan.  Photo of the cover from my library.  It's in the 175 page range and and mine is softcover.

@GG1 4877 posted:

Funny.  I prefer the postwar version.

Jonathan, not sure if I can associate with you anymore after that statement... those are fightin' words!

I've always thought the pre-war look of PRR locomotives made the engine look "lighter" and that they were ready to handle fast trains - the two exceptions are the I1's and M1's - these look pretty sharp with their post-war "beauty treatments".

@Prr7688 posted:

Jonathan, not sure if I can associate with you anymore after that statement... those are fightin' words!

I've always thought the pre-war look of PRR locomotives made the engine look "lighter" and that they were ready to handle fast trains - the two exceptions are the I1's and M1's - these look pretty sharp with their post-war "beauty treatments".

Hahahahahaha!!!!  This wins the internet tonight.

For me the steel pilot made that archaic machine just a bit more modern looking.  The headlight beauty treatment is definitely questionable, but it was still more attractive than that front-end throttle modification that some got near the end of their service life.  The late PRR K4 for me represents a prize fighter that has seen their share of bouts and keeps on going.

For a graceful Pacific I tend to like the Reading or CNJ Pacifics of the 1920's with all those spoked wheels.   

Put me down as one who prefers the post-war look (at least on a K4) as well.  I like the solid pilot.  It transmits a more serious, heavy look.

George

Well thank you all on the info I have a plan in mind. Will keep you all posted on how it turns out.

I like the solid pilot, but like the prewar headlight placement. Fortunately, there are pictures of some K4s with that configuration.

I fell in love with the K4s from the first time I saw it atop the hill at Horseshoe Curve when I was age 5.  Postwar, prewar, oil lamp, electric, small tender, big tender… Doesn’t matter, I love them all.

I have that book too Jonathan, and it’s my favorite!

@rplst8 posted:

I fell in love with the K4s from the first time I saw it atop the hill at Horseshoe Curve when I was age 5.  Postwar, prewar, oil lamp, electric, small tender, big tender… Doesn’t matter, I love them all.

I have that book too Jonathan, and it’s my favorite!

To be completely honest, my wife found the book and got it for me for Christmas.  I didn't even know it existed.  Props to her!