I asked this question the other day in the topic of "Was steam dead by 1956?" which was an error in judgement on my part as it was off-topic, but the subject of "Was steam dead by 1956?" made me wonder what existing engines, either operational or on static display, are represented by our models? After all, it's nice to be able to run a model of the NKP #725 knowing the prototype is really out there. I suspect this line of reasoning likely influenced many to purchase the UP Big Boy #4014 knowing the 1:1 version would soon be plying the high iron. For those who tend to the more "scale" aspects of modeling what better reason than to run the Pere Marquette #1225, in excursion or freight photo run-bys, along with your ES44's or SD70's.
As such I would appreciate your input on the real prototypes, preserved in static display or operational, which are modeled. Any manufacturer is good. For example, these are some that come to mind:
- Lionel NKP Berkshire 765 operational
- Lionel PM Berkshire 1225 operational
- Lionel UP Big Boy 4014 operational (soon!!)
- Lionel UP Big Boy 4012 static display
- Lionel N&W #1218 operational
- Lionel N&W #611 operational
any help with this would be appreciated.....I'm listing some Lionel simply because I'm not familiar with all of the MTH product line and specialty manufacturers like Kohs are out of my league but anyone who makes a model of an existing prototype is valid. Any help is appreciated..thanks!!