Hello Guys.......
I just purchased a williams 2-8-4 berkshire steamer in santa fe road name and wondering if anyone know the history of when williams started making the 2-8-4 berkshire ? I couldn't find any history about it maybe you guys would know. The one i have is made in 2007 a pre-bachmann williams # berk 116" . I have about 30 hours of running time and it is a very smooth running engine. This engine is a KEEPER !!!!!!! I also have silver madison 60 footer 4 cars set and bachmann williams santa fe boxcar to go with the berkshire. Its a pretty train (SMILE).........
Dear BRL,
The Berk appears in the earliest Williams catalog that I have, Winter 2003-2004.
23 road names plus undecorated black.
More details if you ask.
By the way, one of the neatest books ever: ISBN 087923671X
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51AC24W1JPL._SS500_.jpg
It's about building the first Berkshire steam loco. Great illustrations.
Look for it in your public library system.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Edit: Added book, removed image tags.
Hello Joe Satnik..............
So the Berkshires were made in 2003-2004 the soonest ? I thought they were made arounds the 1990's. I have some older catalogs like 2003-2004 winter. this is Interesting. Is bachmann coming out with a new steamer ?
thank you, Mr. Satnik
Tiffany Clark
Dear Tiffany,
Just to clarify,
I'm sure that Williams Berks were made long before 2003.
"Winter 2003-2004" is just the oldest Williams catalog that I have (in my possession) to reference.
3rail will know more on history and future WBB steam plans.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik
Hello Mr. Joe Satnik........
Thank you................
Williams by Bachmann currently makes a new 2-8-4 berkshire style steam locomotive.
I don't have any locomotives made by the new company in the Williams line. Just have a new motor kit and it works very well.
My complaint about a lot of steam engines that are made as models is that the company who makes them doesn't have a front coupler on the engine, that makes it almost impossible to double head any steam engine without a front coupler.
Lee F.
i think the bachmann-williams should be the same as the williams with no changes to it as thats what i hear and i hope they would not cheapen it, like switching to plastic gears and so on but i think the scale williams hudson would come with the front coupler for double heading but not sure.
i have a bachmann-williams santa fe boxcar and it is very well made much to my surprise and this is my first bachmann-williams.
Tiffany
So far the only other thing I have by Bachmann in the Williams line is the True Blast-2 diesel horn kit, which I installed in a non-Williams diesel engine as it has better sound than the original horn in the diesel engine I bought from another company a few years ago.
Awaiting the Plasticville Tank car, to see what Bachmann has done with the Williams line.
Lee F.
hello guys.........
Do the late pre-bachmann williams berkshires (2007) come with "true-blast whistle" ? I wondered becasue i am hearing impaired :)
Tiffany
Tiffany,
Concerning the lack of a front coupler on Williams steam locos - - - - these are copies,almost exact,of Lionel post-war locos and Lionel did not put couplers on the front of any steam locos at that time except switchers.
Your loco should have the true blast whistle and bell.
Hello rOgruth..............
oh ok, i wished i can put in a simple high pitched whistle like with 2 wire hook up so i can least hear that. Does anyone make that and not mult-sounds effect system ? Sometimes simple is better
the woman who loves toy trains
Tiffany
Tiffany,
There are a few companies that used to make aftermarket horn kits and I think that Electric RR is one of them that is left. The cost would be around $50.00 for the horn kit. Maybe somebody over at CTT(classic toy trains) website on the forum knows.
Lee F.
Dear Tiffany,
Here is a discussion on the old Lionel 6-5906 bell button:
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/139178.aspx
They are light duty though, and many used ones are burned out.
There are plans for heavier duty bell buttons. See user joebarb on http://photobucket.com
More discussion:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,11184.0.html
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13997.0.html
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,11626.0.html
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Joe Satnik