Hello all
In the 1930's many tinplate toy train operators were drawn to the model train side looking to modify used or common tinplate trains.
1928 Ives had big plans to take the market by storm with a great looking steam engine ( Lionel nor American Flyer offered steam engines in their standard gauge line at the time ) . Unfortunately Ives filed bankruptcy about the time production was to begin .
Lionel and American Flyer took control of Ives bringing out the standard gauge #1134 steamer for the 1928 Christmas season the matching O gauge steamer #1122 would have to wait till it's debut in 1929.
Both the 1134 & 1122 were loosely patterned after the B&O President Washington steam engine ...save a set of drivers ...due to sharp tinplate turning radius .
The clean lines and nice proportions of the boiler made it a favorite for many a modeller to do embellishments/ improvements/ modifications on creating unique one of a kind motive power .
1940 Louis Hertz penned with the help of "master modifier" Delbert Henninger the "Model Railroad Conversion Manual" describing in great detail how to improve your tinplate trains.
Here we have 2 examples of modified Ives 1122's ...clever modeller added the missing set of drivers for a true Pacific President Washington engine .
2nd ...a trifecta of manufactures ..Ives boiler , chassis , motor ..American Flyer drivers and rear truck from 435 Atlantic... .Lionel high headlight boiler front from 060 switcher.
Please see link to see engines in motion Thank you
Cheers Carey
