> This looks similar to Rex that I purchased many years ago from Rollie M. except it has port hole front window, different headlite etc. Is this a Rex or maybe a Putt?
> Thanks Stan Houghton > The 2-4-4 was never manufactured by Putt, the molds were modified under Rex <snip> > Pieter Roos The molds were made by Rex which is a nickname for Rex Brothers Manufacturing Company or something similar in, I think, Philadelphia, PA. Rollie M. has better knowledge of the exact correct name, but this gives a general overview even if not quite right in the detail department. Thus, the castings themselves were, I believe, also made by Rex. Mr. Putt (Terry, I think) came along in later years and, being a skilled machinist, replaced the original worm-to-axle-gear design with a genuine gearbox and a higher quality motor. But I do not think Mr. Putt had anything to do with the making of the molds or the casting of the parts. He modified/machined castings, but did not make them in the first place. His locos were superior runners for sure. I think he also replaced the brass driver tires with something that would not oxidize. Stainless steel, perhaps? Not sure... The loco in the photo sure looks like a Rex to me. The driver tires appear to be brass and so I would guesstimate it is a Rex version. The wipers on the insulated wheels, being held off the frame by a rubber washer, are a giveaway from my viewpoint. But the detailing - including the porthole window - remind me of a European loco. The detailing looks very nice, but I have no idea of what the prototype is for this model. I think it is a Rex with extensive redetailing. Yes, the NYC used them and mine does not need turning on the turntable after a run is completed into the terminal. Crews love them since a really quick return trip is possible. Only one week approx. until the new MTH catalog is revealed at York, PA. Not to mention the new American Flyer catalog at the same event. I cannot wait to see if the catalogs come out first or if the gripes will start even earlier. Time will tell.... My gripe (don't we all have one?) is that stuff from the last catalog is not even here yet, but now the new catalog will present us with even more ways to spend our money. Gripe, gripe.... It is all part of a well-planned sinister campaign managed by experts. Cheers..Ed Loizeaux
