Here is an another classic! Although many models of the Sierra Railroad #38 were imported over the years, this one is less common as it has been painted for Rayonier Incorporated #38 when it worked the logging operations of Washington's Olympic Peninsula. (I've included a couple of photos of the prototype.). The paint and decal work is nicely done but it has accumulated some chips/wear over time. I have been told that this model is one of the later runs due to the amount of detail. I also added the fire hose on the tender.
The locomotive runs very well (but not very quietly) in both directions at all speeds as you can see in the video (please ignore the derailed trailing truck when it's pulling the log train - I didn't notice that until I starting this listing - it's fine).
Two words of caution: 1) the forward steam pipe can come out of its track if you are not careful in handling the model. If that happens, it is not too difficult to get it back in - just annoying as you probably need to separate the forward truck from the trailing truckl. But there is a good quality shaft connection that makes that easier. I have placed some masking tape over the pipe track to protect it during shipping and found that the model still runs fine even with the tape in place; 2) the tender trucks swivel 360 degrees so you need to make sure that when you place it on the track the insulated wheels are on the engineer's side for proper current pickup.
The original box looks pretty decent except for one torn corner and the foam looks good.
All in all, I love this model and it's hard to let it go.