Hello O scale world ..
Paul Egolf out of Narberth, Pa could arguably be given credit as one of the fathers of what would grow into the O scale world .
First ad for "Egolf Scale Models" , ( that I've found--so far) is September 1926 ....showing a Reading Pacific , for 3 foot radius, with smoke and reverse ,RTR $50.00 ( for reference ..Lionel, top of the line standard gauge set ,double motor 402 , 4 passenger cars, track and transformer $60,....this could account for the huge numbers of remaining 402's and the lack of Egolf's ) .
1927 Egolf expands his line with a Oil-Electric for $50 and a K4S for $60 ..again with smoke
December 1927 ad ( now located in Philadelphia) announces due to major improvements there will be a 50% increase in pricing come 1928 ...so order now ! send for catalog .15
1927 Egolf builds models for the B&O centennial.
The .15 catalog (section B) ..(unknown if there is an A out there ) ... contains 3/4 scale equipment K4 from Birch of Detroit ( any of those out there ?) ,also handling the Bassett Lowke..steamer for cost plus postage !..... line of 14" passenger cars to prevent excessive over hang on curves .. steamer line has increased adding a PRR E6, ten wheeler camel back, PRR M1 , ... models operate with center 3rd rail .....quick detachable motors, automatic couplers, lavish detail , real smoke device and a red glow in firebox ...
Egolf was an early promoter of 2 rail ... (about 1932 ) he built track up in sections ..using hard aluminum..( his words not mine) ..providing track for at least on of the layouts at the 1933 Chicago World's Fair .
Paul Egolf was the second subscriber to Model Railroader in 1934 ..Harry Albrecht ( one of Paul's customers ) was #1 ...
Paul passed away in 1962 .
Does anyone have a copy of O scale news Vol 7 No.1 Jan/Feb 1977? there is an article about Paul Egolf within .
Here we have an Egolf K4 .... a little long in the tooth .., wrong tender ...remains of smoke unit with fitting and resistor within , detailed interior cab with electric knob ..I assume for turning on /off smoke and fire box glow ...as wire run from it forward and down ...opening firebox door ... this is a center 3rd rail .. pick up is gone ..but nice shiny spot from where it was ... reverse is missing ...silver paint probably not Egolf's work ..hand lettering on cab .. I'd guess original ... no clue as to what the complete smoke unit looked like
The only other Egolf engine I've seen had the same very skinny big gear drive ....
Any other Egolf pieces out there ????
The K4 will need some love to get it back to rolling .... but a nice example from the dawn of O scale .
Cheers Carey
