PENN CENTRAL FANS: An O-Gauge Product Checklist and Discussion Thread

Here is some back story on why I am a fan of the Penn Central.

For me, it all began with the train that got me into electric railroading. I think I was three years old, and every time we visited at my uncle's house I would go to look at the Lionel MPC Penn Central GG1 on his bookshelf. He let me hold it a few times and the sheer weight of it made a lasting impression.

Then there was my grandfather. He worked for the entire lineage of Pennsylvania through Conrail and Amtrak as a track man. This is where my uncle got the train bug from, and I in turn got it from him. When I really got into trains my grandfather gave me all the railroadania he had saved, and most of it was from the Penn Central. There's the picture of him next to Penn Central Alco S-2 #9850, hence my screen name.

So, as you see, for me it's a combination of nostalgia and familial ties to the railroad. I actually hadn't known the Penn Central was a big mess until I was old enough to comprehend business, and that was many years after the events I described above occurred.

I saw the the picture of your new 628 that you posted; what did you pay for it?

I have 4 Master line Atlas O engines(all are only slightly used) I might be selling; one of them is a Canadian Pacific C630. I recently offered them to my dealer(all 4 of them) for $1000,00, in store credit; that's $250.00 per unit.

If my dealer takes them, I think he's getting a great deal.

BTW, contrary to some of the jabs you got, I think the PC look has a great no-nonsense, hardcore railroading look.

You're building a nice collection.

Rick

Too bad the other thread got locked.  It was a good collection of photos and equipment lists.  I don't have my PC FL9 Photo on this computer, but I do have these interesting photos of the prototype model PC FL9 from last December ....

I appreciate your thoughtful input Rick. I too always had an affinity for the stark utilitarian schemes. Very "no-nonsense, all business" as you point out.

For the 1339-2 Penn Central C-628 I had to pay $450, which is still a bit under MSRP. I'm not sure what more typical models go for; this one took me a year to find so as far as I know it's scarce on at least the internet.

The jabs are more directed at people than a railroad

Jonathan, very cool! Looks like the prototype PC unit was a tad glossier than the finished product.

Ben, you are correct that the actual human factor and management played a huge part in the downfall of the railroad. I also figure it would be appropriate for this thread to thank you again for taking the time to contact me and allow me the opportunity to own several of those Atlas O Penn Central black H21a hoppers. They've found a good home on my layout 

Answering a post by david1 before the original thread got locked:

Being so disorganized the Penn Central was all about odd trains and combinations one never really did see before. In fact, a lone A unit with only two or three coaches in tow was quite typical of pure PC passenger trains!

Hey Nick, Nice pix of that black ominous engine pulling those NYC coaches!! I wish Williams/bachmann would put out a set of PC 60' Madisons to go with their PC semi scale GG-1! Yes! More PC needed!!

Penn Central,  You asked about the caboose,

Understand it is green cab Numbers 23352

I did a internet ,search,  and you provided, a reply to an individual

on this cab number from Worthpoint, 

believe this is what is coming !!!  in response to your request

Thanks for that info Terry. Sounds like MTH simply included their regular production 20-91112 Penn Central N-8 Caboose with the set.

Now this is the type of post I like to see. What a great story and thank you for sharing your experiences with us!

Even though that's only a temporary setup, you're right, it did end up being a pretty good-looking train. What that FL-9 will ultimately pull is MTH's newly released 70' PC passenger cars, with a Weaver PRR B60 baggage car on the end for authenticity:

Here's a little known Penn Central livery variation as modeled by one of a group of F7 units purchased from the Rio Grande in 1970:

Bob

PC is a fun road due to all the combinations one could use through the merger! I was going to get a Williams PC GG1  and run a set of New Haven madisons behind them!

Nick,

The most important thing is that you enjoy yourself. Best of luck modeling the PC.

Andy

Penn Central regularly hosted foreign power on certain parts of its system as well. Southern Railway, Boston & Maine, CB&Q and SP/SSW were a few such roads.

Bob  

That's exactly right; I lived next to NYC/PC during 1955-1968 and remember seeing those trains.

Right behind our house were two main tracks and a local track (originally four tracks), plus a big signal bridge and full set of crossovers nearby ... that's where my lifelong interest in trains started. Plus an abandoned trolley roadbed at the back of our yard. This is what it looked like during a visit in 2011:

The third track is gone but the two tracks are still busy. The old signal bridge is still there.

Former NYC line at Rochester NY. How many cities have a railroad bridge over a waterfall?

I'm not sure if some of you are aware of it but there's a great organization dedicated to Penn Central and its history:

http://www.pcrrhs.org/ 

It's a well organized society and offers its membership good value.

Bob