Varney HO "Promo" set?

I have no information on that set...but I have to say you did a nice job on that locomotive !

Yes, Varney did do a promotion with a cereal during the time you discuss.  I am only aware of the Plastic unpainted version of their venerable F3 being part of it, but I'll have to talk to my dad.  He has nearly every postwar Varney piece produced including variations and more than the Greenburg guide covers.  He grew up with Varney while I grew up with 70's era Tyco.

Thanks, Bob.   It's not too bad from a distance and considering I had to be between 10 and maybe 15 when I did it, but up close not so hot.  Not sure I even used spray paint!

Thanks tho 

Thanks for confirming cereal promo, Jonathan!  The engine is also plastic.  I had to add weight to all of them to be able to run with my Revell sets.

Thanks for the info!

The Varney F3 was introduced in 1945 as a cast locomotive, but by 1955 Gordon Varney changed it to plastic.  That would be about the right time frame.  It's been years since I've been inside one of the plastic ones as all mine are cast, but the powered units had decent traction.

Thanks, Jonathan

Nothing under the hood of this one.  I think I added the weight.  That masking tape has to be 55 - 60 years old and still holding!