I just saw these sets on line, and noted that the two meeting engines in the sets do not look like I think I remember them
looking...I think the two were different from each other, and from the typical General as has appeared in several sets
over the years? These, to me, look like new livery on the General?
Replies sorted oldest to newest
They are RailKing Generals. MTH just gave the UP loco a straight stack, that's all.
Rusty
My guess was correct, but I didn't even notice the straight stack on one of them. I
think that was U.P. 119 (looked up the Golden Spike setting and locos AFTER I posted...bad timing). I then read that both locos were scrapped in the early 1900's
and nobody had the smarts to preserve them. I was surprised they had that long
a lifespan...(from Golden Spike to 1900)...and #119 looks like it could have
survived as branchline power somewhere, and, if (correctly) modeled, I might find a place for it. Wikipedia says GPS coordinates are screwed up for the Golden Spike
site, and to follow road signs only. I have never been there, but apparently the
Park Service re-enacts that meeting of pilots, and spike driving every day. Anybody
been there? (I always assumed it was out in the desert miles from a highway)
I have never been there, but apparently the
Park Service re-enacts that meeting of pilots, and spike driving every day. Anybody
been there? (I always assumed it was out in the desert miles from a highway)
They do indeed fire up their 119 and Juptier replicas in the summer months, my wife and I were lucky enough to see both under steam on our cross-country road trip in 2012. The crews were all very nice, too. The gift shop sells a very good small book on the construction of the replicas, written for people who understand steam design and construction.
It is totally in the middle of nowhere. The irony is the turnoff at the state highway to go there is right where NASA contractors test rocket motors. If you go less than 1/4 mile past the turnoff, you'll see a display of rockets right along the road...
It is out in the middle of nowhere. However, it is well worth the sidetrip. The engines are beautiful! The staff is very friendly and did I say the engines are beautiful. A must see if traveling in Northern Utah or on your way to Yellowstone Nat Park.
Bob
It's also not too far from the RR museum at Ogden if you're heading that direction. Hill AFB's museum is close by as well if you're into airplanes...
Access to this requires an OGR Forum Supporting Membership
