i see them appear on ebay many times. the one that is often in CB&Q paint? well, i was thinking of buying a pair and using the parts, seeing how similar it is the the c&0 j3a 614 to build a similar loco. it wouldn't be perfect but i could do it. so what i want to know is if it reliable enough? dc it what i use.
They don't run nearly as good as the newer ones, it's like night and day. The new locos run very nicely, the old locos not so much.
but they are cheaper, which is why i have interest. i would hate to kill a new expensive loco
They're cheaper for a reason.
I think the only thing that is the same as the c&0 j3a 614 is that they were both 4-8-4s