Peter's Model Railroading | The Equipment | PRR 2-8-0 Steam Locomotive
Model Information
In S-scale it is not impossible to get some model, but it may take some patience and some time. That's what it took, plus a bit of money, to purchase this beautiful brass locomotive in September 2026. It represents a lot of "firsts" for me. First steam engine in S-scale. First brass locomotive. And, the first time I can officially call myself a 1924-era modeler, for real. My other engines, at this point in time, are all diesels, and it is ever so slightly embarrassing to "proclaim" that I model the year 1924, and have one or more diesels sitting on my layout. That's been rectified now!
Omnicon Scale Models commissioned this model of the Korean company Samhongsa. In 1985 they delivered them (quantity produced is currently unknown). This was Omnicon's first S-scale locomotive. Company owner, Charlie Sandersfeld, had a soft spot for S-scale, so he continued to work with the NASG and other key S-scale modelers to produce a number of other beautiful brass models. The company is still around, but they no longer import S-scale products.
This particular model was based on the Missouri Pacific (MP) 2-8-0 prototype, which Charlie stated, is generic enough to be able to be modified by the modeler to represent an appropriate desired prototype.
I bought this model secondhand from a fellow S-scale modeler, who had originally, back in 1985, bought two of them. Considering this model is, at this writing, 41 years old, I was mentally prepared to not get a "pristine" model. So, I was shocked when I opened the shipping box. In it I found this original Omnicon box.
The box' label provides all of the key historical information.
Inside that box was the original "Thank You" note from Omnicon owner, Charlie Sandersfeld, with his signature. I also noted that the foam was still in excellent shape.
Removing the top foam layer revealed the prize: a beautiful, like-new 2-8-0 with its tender in the original brass. The brass is completely untarnished after all of these years.
Everything was still wrapped in the original plastic. The extra detail parts are also still included, in their own plastic bags.
This was just a quick photo I took in my excitement.
When I had calmed down a bit, and with better lighting, I took this photo.
So, why did I buy a Missouri Pacific engine when I model the PRR? Well, in S-scale you have to be creative. I would like to eventually have a PRR H10 2-8-0 and a PRR G5 4-6-0. Ideally, I would also like to have a PRR I1 2-10-0. The latter was produced in S-scale by Omnicon as well in 1991, but I am waiting for that perfect moment when someone has one for sale and I happen to have that much cash sitting in my account.
The MP 2-8-0 is a beautiful model. Its drivers are a scale 63", while the PRR H10 had 62" drivers. To me, that is a difference that is not noticeable. However, as is the case with a lot of steam locomotives, they are not a perfect match. But the vast majority of the model is a match, so this model makes a great start for a PRR H10. It sure beats having to build one from scratch!
This is going to be a long-term project. This is going to be my main locomotive, and so it will get my full attention. What is going to follow in future pages is a complete documentation of what it takes to properly get a brand new brass model running, through making decisions about electronics and detailing, through painting, applying decals, and completing the final PRR H10. Stay tuned!