AMLAccucraft made a BEAUTIFUL PRR K4 model a few years ago. I know they made an electric version in addition to their live-steam line. However, I can find very little information about (product #) the item. I’ve never been able to locate one on the secondary market. I likely couldn’t afford it anyway, it’s a dream piece. Can anyone provide any intel?
Jay,
I agree! Its a great looking locomotive, but I hear live steam is the way to go for this engine. Hopefully they will reproduce the engine again with upgrades to the mechanism/motor. Now that said…why not seek the live steam? I see them on eBay occasionally in the $2000 range (which isn’t much more than the electric). Honestly, despite the price and high quality details, I think it would be a mighty fine way to enter live steam. These are gas fired and have blind drivers on the center axle for ease of use. The only downside I can see is a lack of parts available if it is indeed out of production permanently.
Mr RC hits the nail upon the head. A friend of mine here in yUK has one, and it can be seen on one of my older Youtube adventures hauling a camera chase train. Electric, it. Also, in 1/29th scale, which makes it look VERY odd when compared with the usual 1/32nd scale Gauge 1 models from Aster and Accucraft.
IF you find one for $2000 then I suggest that you buy it. The way things are going, it could well cost you over $5000 IF it ever gets into production again.
tac, back from Oregon, and regretting it already.
I have owned a couple of the AML K4 electric locomotives, I was considering modifying the K4’s into a P10’s with conventional boiler. Eventually I sold both of them and purchased a wrecked AML K4 model for a 4-6-2 P10 project. Both of my models ran pretty good, more power would’ve been nice. Had to fiddle with them some, the lead truck occasionally had issue staying on track as I recall.
Used sale price in late 2013 or so on eBay, I saw two sale for $1200-1500.00 used.
eBay and Trainz.com are good resources, albeit far fewer of late.
I have at least two original electric tenders from the AML K4 and two AML electric 0-6-0 tenders I’d like to sell. If any body is interested please PM me.
Michael
The gearing they came with was poor, it was geared too high and could not pull.
Some people got a replacement motor, but that one was geared so low, the top speed was about 32 smph.
They need need more weight to pull better, but doing that will overload the Pittman motor which is only rated 0.7 amps continuously. Oh, with a bunch of weight it will pull like a sonofagun, until the motor overheats and melts solid. Ask me how I know.
I have 2 of them and am finding a way to regear properly, but these are the expensive Pittman gearhead motors.
I have FIVE pages on this loco, here’s a link to the main page, be sure to look at the menu on the right for the 4 additional sub pages
http://www.elmassian.com/trains/motive-power-mods-aamp-tips/aml-accucraft-motive-power/k4
Greg