The Varney Yellowstone is perhaps one of if not the most sought after locomotive from the Varney product line. Produced only in extremely limited quantities in 3 different materials over their production run, and sold either as a kit, complete model, or most commonly, a raw boiler casting. They were offered in bronze (1939), aluminum (1940-1941), and brass (1947-1949). These models are known to be the very first commercially produced articulated steam locomotive scale model, and the very first articulated steam locomotive model to be produced in HO scale. Unfortunately, despite being the first of their kind, these models were expensive, and did not sell very well.
My Yellowstones
I am fortunate enough to own not one, but two of these incredible models. One an aluminum example from 1940-41, and the other a brass example from 1947-49. I acquired them both through eBay auctions, and am not ashamed to admit I paid a pretty penny for them both. I consider the price well worth it for what you get.
Aluminum Yellowstone
This is my aluminum yellowstone. It has been finished as Northern Pacific 5007. The tender is scratch built brass with Mantua trucks, the locomotive also has Mantua valvegear. It is currently missing a trailing truck and motor.
Brass Yellowstone
This is my brass yellowstone. It is not painted. I purchased this locomotive incomplete, it had no valvegear and was missing most detail parts. I finished it off with new old stock Varney parts, and a new old stock Varney tender kit.
