Fred Icken GG1 O scale late 1930's over head wire operation | O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum

Carey WilliamsOGR Forum Member

Fred Icken was a master builder of scale trains in the 1930's -40's . Icken earned the reputation of building an engine that could run for many hours & miles daily .
Icken pieces were all custom built ..he tried to enter into the mass market but quality of final piece pushed the price tag well above the average model railroader.
Icken offered a GG1 in the late 1930's, catalog illustration shows four motors ...the 2 survivors ( that I know of ...no doubt a few more are out there) ..only have 2 motors .
Icken's body casting is unique with a 2 pieces ..split length wise ..all other "vintage" GG1's manufacturers used a one piece body ..( Alexander , Collier, Baldwin/ Walther's, later Dudey ) .
This example from the late 1930's has fittings for outside 3rd rail sweeps .. however it appears it was always wired for overhead wire only operation ...drivers are not insulated for 2 rail use .
Very smooth runner ...just need to string up more wire for the engine to stretch it's legs. Hand lettering/ stripping .
Please see link for video of engine running
https://youtu.be/HncVD1BNF6I

Cheers Carey

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8/23/2211:34 PM

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ScotieOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I am always in awe of the hand lettering and striping that folks did in the day. Great engine.

GG1 4877OGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Gorgeous piece. Agreed that the hand lettering and striping is outstanding.

8/24/2211:20 AM

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