Re: RTR 36" gauge train for CHS / Railstar *PIC*

Jeff-
Apparently a few people believe this one will NEVER sell or see use again. This was of course the prototype 3' Crown and of course with all 'firsts', there were problems that had to be worked out for improved future models. This one has about as much traction as the 2' model...so I was told! The problem with Crowns were they were notorious for small cylinders. Supposedly the one in St. Louis (1970s later model) can haul something like 5 coaches up a 4 or 5 percent grade! In terms of amusement equipment being designed for flat and simple land...this one fits that description perfectly. The cylinders are too small to ever make it a good engine in any park.
At one point, one owner had a whistle on it he got from a Big Boy! (I presume that would make it a Star Brass then since they supplied most of the UP whistles). This was while still at Legend City in Tempe...its now in Texas somewhere. Its build date was pre-1965...the other 'early' Crowns would be the Pioneer & Western (now a sad display at the Huntville, AL depot museum) and one from North Carolina which operates on the Old Hickory Railroad in Jackson, Louisiana.
-Ed Kelley