3 1/2 inch gauge Union Pacific 4-8-4 with centipede tender

An early stage 4-8-4 with well-advanced 14 wheel "Centipede" tender, the project being built as a presentation of the "FEF" (for Four Eight Four) class of 45 Northerns built by Alco for the Union Pacific between 1937 and 1944.

Work to date is to a good standard, with some light surface rust to the locomotive wheels which will clean off easily with Scotchbrite.

Apparently intended for gas-firing (which would save a very long stretch with a shovel), the tender has been fitted with a gas valve and space for cylinders, as well as a water tank with hand pump.

Complete with a length of seamless copper tube for the boiler barrel; a copy of William C Fitt's book of detailed FEF-3 drawings, and a set of "Columbia" drawings, Martin Evans' 4-8-4 Baldwin design which the builder was using for reference.

An interesting project, we'd love to see it when finished. The locomotive and tender come out at just under eight feet long when coupled together (or nearly a foot longer than a 5 inch gauge 9F!)