I made a few purchases at a recent train show, including three HO models that could be easily compared to OO models in my collection. First up is a comparison of the classic Nason 2-8-0 to the HO model recently produced by Bachmann.

First, I would note this: I picked up the Bachmann model for $5. It does not run and I was hoping to modify the drivers to fix an OO model, and figured I could also make use of the motor and probably other parts. The drivers are exactly the right size for that project, and for $5 I could not go too wrong.

Looking at it and the Nason model, this is such an interesting comparison, not just for size but also for detail. First, the side view.

And now the top view.

They might be from slightly different classes of the actual Reading locomotives, but essentially they are the same model. The HO model never was an expensive model, but the detail absolutely eclipses that seen on the sand-cast bronze Nason model. If I were interested in modelling the Reading, HO would be the way to go.

There used to be a long series of articles in this site that followed OO history year by year. A lot of that content made it into the book, but quite a bit of good content did not. For example, in that series I noted how Nason bought the back cover of the November, 1937 issue of The Model Craftsman, as they had a new model to unveil.

Surely, they were full of optimism for this new model, the first freight steam locomotive offered in American OO. “A masterpiece in detail!” I also found in my files this scan below that had been on the old site, this is the model as displayed at the National Model Show in New York City. There is a nice report on the event in The Model Craftsman for March 1938, in the form of a short article with nine photos (including a view of OO pioneer Hugh Nason with a 2-8-0), and this close up of the model.

I’ll plan to look again at the history series and bring back more content in the coming months.

As to me and the Nason 2-8-0 parts seen in the comparison photos, I’ve been collecting parts for a while. I have two boilers and could at this point get one model done as a complete shelf model. I’d prefer to complete it as a working model, but the drivers are a bit sketchy. I’ll keep pondering. But a great classic model to keep your eyes peeled for if you are collecting/operating vintage models in American OO.