HO Scale Virginia & Truckee JW Bowker 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive

Description: HO Scale Virginia & Truckee JW Bowker 2-4-0 Steam Locomotive - Tested / Boxed Two years ago, my father passed and I received the remnants of his HO Scale train collection, consisting of a diesel locomotive, several switchers, a beat-up steam locomotive and a collection of track and some freight cars. From that collection I found one locomotive, a Virginia & Truckee Railroad Genoa 4-4-0 which required repairs and restoration, and it showed me that these trains can be repaired, refurbished, and restored to operational condition for many more years of enjoyment by model railroad enthusiasts...without having to pay hundreds of dollars for the newer models. Since then, I have searched for damaged, non-functional steam locomotives of the 2-4-0 and 4-4-0 configurations to repair and restore. In this way, I honor my father and attempt to pass on his love for model railroading to others who search for these vintage locomotives. So what are you getting? The Virginia & Truckee Railroad JW Bowker is a 2-4-0 design released by Rivarossi. This version is a popular design for its simplicity. The locomotive you are receiving is mated with the matching tender car. The locomotive is of the variant where the motor is located in the Engineering Cabin of the locomotive, NOT in the tender car, so the tender car is functions as the visual completion of the design's original appearance, as well as the means for the coupler to attach to additional freight and passenger cars. Next, there are two variants of the JW Bowker, one which is considered simpler, with less 'frills' to the appearance of the locomotive, while the upgraded version has additional components including metal versus plastic parts, increased detailing including metal railings and mounts along the boiler. This version is the simpler variant, with the plastic domes, bells and whistles atop the boiler, as well as the air-brake canisters made of plastic. The rods which insert into the air-brake canisters are also made of plastic, rather than the metal versions for the upgraded variant. An inspection of the locomotive will find that all parts are present and intact. Special note: Many locomotives of this vintage suffer from damaged pilots (the front cow-catcher nose) but this one is intact and undamaged. The steps beneath the Engineering cabin are present on both sides, and the steps on the rear tender are all present, with the exception of the left rear one, which was missing. The steps on the back of the tender are present as well. There is a kadee coupler on the back of the tender car, but as one of the images shows, I am including a hook and horn coupler should you wish to change it out. When I received this piece, it was largely intact and in good condition, needing little more than a thorough cleaning and buffing of the metal internal parts to improve the electrical connectivity with the track. The internal gear was cleaned and lubricated, while the axles and trucks were buffed to clean any corrosion and dirt from previous usage. The tender car was also inspected and found to be in excellent condition. Since the engine for the locomotive is found in the Engineering cabin, this means that no drive shaft is necessary. Whenever possible, I try to match locomotives with their original boxes. Unfortunately, the original box was so badly damaged that it could not be salvaged. However, I did have another AHM box of suitable size that would allow for the locomotive / tender combo and its original plastic cradle to fit inside. The box was for an Operating Track Cleaning Car, but works to display and store the locomotive and tender. The only issue was that the original clear plastic facing was damaged and torn, so I replaced it by cutting a suitable piece of clear plastic page protector to serve as a replacement. It allows the locomotive and tender set to be displayed when not in use.. Shipping will be via US Ground Advantage to keep costs down. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I have other similar locomotives which I will release, so if you have a 2-4-0 or 4-4-0 design you're looking for, stay tuned...you might see it listed soon!

Price: 59.99 USD

Location: Toledo, Ohio

End Time: 2025-02-15T05:16:01.000Z

Shipping Cost: 0 USD