So, found this beauty is in a random box with my estate lot. It says Kadee on the bottom. This is another item where I can't find info online.
I'm wondering when this company was in existence and if they are considered collectible, what year/model this might be...
Suzanne
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Kaydee is usually the Couplers. I see the tender has one. Are there any tags or markings on the locomotive itself? Is it brass? Exactly where does it say Kaydee on the bottom as your pictures do not show the marking.
Hi PRRhorseshoe,
Sorry, I meant to upload the picture before. That is the only marking I can find on the train. It's heavy, but I don't know how to tell if it is brass.
The "Curve" is right on the Kadee thing. Looks like your engine is a AT&SF Mikado, meaning a 2-8-2 Loco as in 2 small wheels up front at the pilot (aka cow catcher) (They count the wheels on each side) 8 Drivers (4+4) and 2 on the trailing truck.
You can go on Wikipedia and search for Whyte wheel classifications and get enough info on Locomotive wheel configurations to make you dizzy, and that's just steam. Knowing the Whyte classification will help you identify what you have, not so much as the importer, but as a start to get to that....and of course the name of the railroad.
Might be a Sunset, might be a PRB (Pecos River Brass) or other. The Warbonnet buffs will have to help you!
Simon
I am 95% sure that’s a brass model. I’m also pretty sure it’s a Sunset Models judging from this photo. It may have been renumbered and weathered but it seems similar. (Not my photo)
Not to throw a curve into the discussion but, the model looks like it's been modified and made into Proto 48. If so, you need to make sure you list it as such. I may be wrong, and if I am, I apologize in advance.Two things would help to clear this up. First get an exact measurement of the distance between the wheels. This would be the back to back dimension. It can be any wheel so do the one that's easiest to measure. The next dimension would be the thickness of the tire/wheel. Typically, a P:48 tire is .115" wide. A set of digital calipers would probably be the easiest tool for getting these measurements.
The modelers collection of tools may have the calipers but there also may be gauges for checking dimensions. The most common is the NMRA "Flat gauge" but there are others.
Jay
I see from your profile you are from Nevada. It may help to have a local O Scale modeler assist with some of this. I know a few that are extremely reputable and would probably be more than happy to help, especially with identifying some of the items you are dealing with. Just a thought.
My email address is listed in my profile.
Jay
Hi Phil,
I don't know how she runs... this is from an estate lot belonging to my sister-in-law. I'm helping her to sell her father's collection.
It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.
Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.
Well, my god, y'all see everything. It kept falling out and I thought I'd gently push it in, but seems I did it wrong.
So embarrassing!
Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.
That's right...on both points.
And yes, determining the scale would be very helpful...is it HO or O? It's such a beautiful model, it's hard to tell!
Mark in Oregon
Strummer posted:Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.That's right...on both points.
And yes, determining the scale would be very helpful...is it HO or O? It's such a beautiful model, it's hard to tell!
Mark in Oregon
Mark,
I thought you could tell from the undercarriage, is that correct? I do know that the collector was 99% 2 Rail in his purchases.
Jay C posted:I see from your profile you are from Nevada. It may help to have a local O Scale modeler assist with some of this. I know a few that are extremely reputable and would probably be more than happy to help, especially with identifying some of the items you are dealing with. Just a thought.
My email address is listed in my profile.
Jay
I sent you an email , Jay, thanks!
bellymoondrop posted:Strummer posted:Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.That's right...on both points.
And yes, determining the scale would be very helpful...is it HO or O? It's such a beautiful model, it's hard to tell!
Mark in Oregon
Mark,
I thought you could tell from the undercarriage, is that correct? I do know that the collector was 99% 2 Rail in his purchases.
Ok, I get it now. I hadn't noticed the "O" on the Kadee coupler box before. Nice engine!
Mark in Oregon
bellymoondrop posted:Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.Well, my god, y'all see everything. It kept falling out and I thought I'd gently push it in, but seems I did it wrong.
So embarrassing!
Don't be embarrassed. I will be 72 in 35 days, been playing with trains since Christmas 1949 ten days before turning three. I learn something new every day. It's a topic where no one can know everything. You are here for the same reason we are all here. Wish you could keep them all and we help you build a layout. Lots of girls play with trains and a bunch are on the forum. j
JohnActon posted:bellymoondrop posted:Matt_GNo27 posted:It looks like the face of the boiler has been mounted or rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the correct position.
And yes, Kadee is the make of the coupler used on this model.Well, my god, y'all see everything. It kept falling out and I thought I'd gently push it in, but seems I did it wrong.
So embarrassing!
Don't be embarrassed. I will be 72 in 35 days, been playing with trains since Christmas 1949 ten days before turning three. I learn something new every day. It's a topic where no one can know everything. You are here for the same reason we are all here. Wish you could keep them all and we help you build a layout. Lots of girls play with trains and a bunch are on the forum. j
Wow, that is so remarkable to me, to have a lifelong hobby like that.
I've come across a few I'd like to keep...
Here is a beauty I didn't want to sell: The Queen of the Short Line; Virginia & Truckee!
Suzanne, based upon your various postings / the pictures above - you have a REALLY nice collection, and to maximize your sales dollars, I suggest that you obtain some advice as to what you have.
As an example, if this is a PSC model that wasn't well built and has been reworked by someone to run well (group - didn't PSC use "undersize" drivers for a while (.138 -.145 tread thickness / gauge them too tightly ?) - this could be why the treads look thin in the pics / the tender truck shows rework), then this is a very desirable model, which should bring good money. But you need to know that and describe it. So, if possible, someone who knows O scale should be advising you on the details of the models in your collection.
(Using a suggestion about the model being returned to you) Jay C is someone who has a history in the O Scale community / on line that you can see / review. If he could assist you with someone local who knows O Scale trains to advise you - that should really help you with sales / avoiding issues.
bob3 posted:Suzanne, based upon your various postings / the pictures above - you have a REALLY nice collection, and to maximize your sales dollars, I suggest that you obtain some advice as to what you have.
Absolutely...a McKeen motor car, in ANY scale, is pretty rare and valuable. This looks to be top of the line quality. Whatta find! 
Mark in Oregon
The McKeen car was imported by Precision Scale A.K.A. PSC.
The real version of that one has been restored and is at the Nevada State Railroad Museum:
https://images.search.yahoo.co...een+car&fr=befds
Simon
That stunning McKeen sold in 30 minutes. It went to a local buyer here in Reno, which I was glad of! The original is in Carson City at the Nevada State RR Museum.
I
Simon Winter posted:The McKeen car was imported by Precision Scale A.K.A. PSC.
The real version of that one has been restored has been restored and is at the Nevada State Railroad Museum:
https://images.search.yahoo.co...een+car&fr=befds
Simon
We were posting the same thing at the same time LOL!
bob3 posted:Suzanne, based upon your various postings / the pictures above - you have a REALLY nice collection, and to maximize your sales dollars, I suggest that you obtain some advice as to what you have.
As an example, if this is a PSC model that wasn't well built and has been reworked by someone to run well (group - didn't PSC use "undersize" drivers for a while (.138 -.145 tread thickness / gauge them too tightly ?) - this could be why the treads look thin in the pics / the tender truck shows rework), then this is a very desirable model, which should bring good money. But you need to know that and describe it. So, if possible, someone who knows O scale should be advising you on the details of the models in your collection.
(Using a suggestion about the model being returned to you) Jay C is someone who has a history in the O Scale community / on line that you can see / review. If he could assist you with someone local who knows O Scale trains to advise you - that should really help you with sales / avoiding issues.
I've gotten 2 local referrals from this esteemed group, one is coming over next week to assess the train. I'm so grateful for all the help. Thank-you, Bob!
There were quite a few of them around in the teens and thereabouts. The PRR even had one briefly. They ran on gasoline as I recall, and were NOT the best of runners. Really neat to look at though! 
Simon
I've got the train identified!
Toby/Max Gray/Brass
Late 60s/early 70s
Thanks all!
Those are sort of "either-or" - there is a difference between Max Gray and USH. For instance, a Max Gray AC-12 is not worth a quarter of what the USH AC-12 is.
Jay is not that far away from Reno - load up your car and go visit? There are other serious O Scalers in the Sierra area - the Jakls come to mind, along with Dave Viale.
Bob will appreciate this story. Shoot, he may even remember it.
The reason I even bring it up goes along with what Suzanne is doing except she's doing her homework and is far more prepared than most neophytes.
There was a friend of ours, an avid O Scale modeler of some note, a Pearl Harbor survivor, a decorated WWII Marine (got out in '45 or '46 as a 1st Sgt, tough as nails, with a heart of gold...unless you got on his wrong side. One of the most honest and honorable people I've ever known. He lived in Southern California and was known far & wide. Many times, as O Scale items were brought into local hobby shops/model train stores in the area, he would be called. One time he received such a call from a well known shop in Pasadena and it turns out a widow was trying to sell her late husband's collection. Si examined the collection and asked the lady what she wanted for it. She stated her price and Si said, it's worth more than that a gave her twice as much as she wanted. That's how it's done!
There was another time where a modeler took advantage, in a similar situation. Si found out about it and eviscerated the guy. From that day forward Si would have nothing to do with him. Oh yeah, once you were on the bad list, heaven help you.
One of my heroes.
Jay
bob2 posted:Those are sort of "either-or" - there is a difference between Max Gray and USH. For instance, a Max Gray AC-12 is not worth a quarter of what the USH AC-12 is.
Jay is not that far away from Reno - load up your car and go visit? There are other serious O Scalers in the Sierra area - the Jakls come to mind, along with Dave Viale.
Let me check with my source on this. He is local, thanks!
Hi Bob,
Looks like he said it's a Max Gray
Jay C posted:Bob will appreciate this story. Shoot, he may even remember it.
The reason I even bring it up goes along with what Suzanne is doing except she's doing her homework and is far more prepared than most neophytes.
There was a friend of ours, an avid O Scale modeler of some note, a Pearl Harbor survivor, a decorated WWII Marine (got out in '45 or '46 as a 1st Sgt, tough as nails, with a heart of gold...unless you got on his wrong side. One of the most honest and honorable people I've ever known. He lived in Southern California and was known far & wide. Many times, as O Scale items were brought into local hobby shops/model train stores in the area, he would be called. One time he received such a call from a well known shop in Pasadena and it turns out a widow was trying to sell her late husband's collection. Si examined the collection and asked the lady what she wanted for it. She stated her price and Si said, it's worth more than that a gave her twice as much as she wanted. That's how it's done!
There was another time where a modeler took advantage, in a similar situation. Si found out about it and eviscerated the guy. From that day forward Si would have nothing to do with him. Oh yeah, once you were on the bad list, heaven help you.
One of my heroes.
Jay
Sounds like a great man, Jay. I'm probably a few months away from reaching the bottom of this treasure but I'll be sad when I get there. It's been amazing getting to know this hobby and the folks who populate it. And it's been an honor to work with this lifetime collection, which has had some truly stellar items in it.
I don't concur. That is not a MG gearbox. Either Westside/PSC or Sunset (not 3rd Rail). MG had a fabricated brass gearbox. USH had a zmak cast gearbox (the cover was cast also). Some Westside/PSC, and the early sunset, had cast gearboxes with stamped covers. From what I see there is a stamped cover. The Westside/PSC tended to have narrowed tires...like what I'm seeing. Could the gearbox have been replaced? Sure. Bob & I do it all the time.
MG also have, most times, 1/4" diameter axles. USH had 6mm.
Jay
Oh yeah, the plug going to the tender is either very late USH or Westside/PSC. The earlier USH plug/receptacle was a little larger.
When I say Westside I include PSC because there was a time when they transitioned from one to another. Some of the very late Westside used a mini phone plug/receptacle and this ain't one of them.
All things being equal, I say it's a Westside.
Jay
Jay C posted:I don't concur. That is not a MG gearbox. Either Westside/PSC or Sunset (not 3rd Rail). MG had a fabricated brass gearbox. USH had a zmak cast gearbox (the cover was cast also). Some Westside/PSC, and the early sunset, had cast gearboxes with stamped covers. From what I see there is a stamped cover. The Westside/PSC tended to have narrowed tires...like what I'm seeing. Could the gearbox have been replaced? Sure. Bob & I do it all the time.
MG also have, most times, 1/4" diameter axles. USH had 6mm.
Jay
:::sigh:::
Suzanne,
This is what happens when you try to deal with a bunch grown men that play with toy trains. Okay, some of us really aren't grownup, just old. Matter of fact, I tried growing up once...worst day of my life!
Jay
Jay C posted:Suzanne,
This is what happens when you try to deal with a bunch grown men that play with toy trains. Okay, some of us really aren't grownup, just old. Matter of fact, I tried growing up once...worst day of my life!
Jay
hahaha, you're all gems & gentlemen to me.
In all seriousness, I grew up. It was around 40.
Yes, Si was one of a kind. He was very generous. He always welcomed visitors. I think you had to be male - but I bet he would have made an exception for Moondrop.
I am really pleased you can use the expertise here to help your eBay efforts. Most of us use the forum to avoid heating up the old soldering iron. At least that is what I am doing - avoiding semi-useful work.
bob2 posted:...Most of us use the forum to avoid heating up the old soldering iron. At least that is what I am doing - avoiding semi-useful work.
... ...
Wait; isn't that what Thomas is? A "semi-useful" engine?
Mark in Oregon
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