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In 1912, the Frisco Railway ordered 40 heavy 2-8-0 Consolidations from Schenectady, numbered 1306-1345, for use on their roller coaster grades on the St. Louis-Monett portion of their line through the Ozarks. Rather plain and homely, like most engines built during these years, these engines received re buildings and updating through the years and evolved into a handsome, husky Consolidation. With the traditional touches such as centered headlights over "coonskin" number plates, polished bells, and graphite smokeboxes, they cut quite a figure. They remained active on the system until the end, even after newer Mountains and Northerns bit the dust. During World War II, seven were rebuilt into Mikados to help with the wartime traffic.
Hallmark Model Company's model of these locomotives is an excellent repro duction in miniature with a couple of small exceptions which will be discussed later. The model follows the usual pattern of Japanese brass steam locomotive models and is very neatly assembled and nicely furnished with all solder joints solidly made and clean. Many fine lost wax castings are used, and the overall appearance and fidelity to prototype is excellent. The mechanism is solidly built and is an excellent runner with a husky open frame motor and idler gearbox. All drivers are sprung.
The major flaw, if it can be called that, is the brakeman's doghouse on the tender is unlike any that the Frisco ever used. A new one can be easily fabricated from sheet brass to replace the incorrect one. The photographs show mine. Plans for a typical Frisco doghouse design are also shown in the article immediately following this one. The photographs also show other minor details I added to better represent the prototype 1309 chosen for my model. These include added wires to represent electrical conduit to the tender backup light and to a tender topside light above the oil fill cap. It may be seen attached to the rear of the top tender hand rail. I also repositioned the whistle as per the prototype.
This is an excellent model and is welcome in the growing ranks of Frisco prototype modelers and models. The price is $246.00.