John Armstrong is credited with for many innovations in model railroading, particularly in track planning and train operation. However, John was also an accomplished modeler. He designed and built a number of unique models, including Nighthawks, a café based on Edward Hopper’s famous painting (information on our kit of this model here), Photographer’s Curve, which is a 110-foot radius curve backed by famous rock scenery, and his 4-6-6-6 Super Allegheny, which he designed as a dual-service version of the prototype C&O/Virginian Alleghenys. Those models are matched by John’s famous “Cementipede”: the Canandaigua Southern’s 5-Bay, 200-Ton articulated covered hopper, which was imagineered by John based on sound engineering practice. Wit & Wisdom Models is offering a limited run of Armstrong’s Cementipede in the original O Scale. If there is sufficient interest, the car will also be offered in other scales.
The model is built from John Armstrong’s blueprints and project notes, as well as measurements taken from the original Armstrong-built model (a generous gift to W&W from the late Alan Fish, who wanted to allow other modelers to share this unique model). The model will be offered as track ready and a kit. Track ready models will come painted, lettered, and boxed, with two-rail trucks and Kadee couplers. Models will be a limited run, built to reservation, and will be separately numbered (e.g., No. 3 of 50). Construction is anticipated to be a combination of resin, metal, and 3D-Printed parts. Some assembled models will be numbered 4315 to match the Armstrong original, but others will be individually numbered to allow each modeler to have multiple models (the kits will contain separate sheets with different numbers and allow road names custom lettered by the modeler). An illustrated history of the car will accompany each model. Kits will include a comprehensive instruction sheet.
Prices are not yet set. Models will not be cheap, but will be unique. No deposits are solicited or accepted, but first dibs on the limited run will go to those modelers who have signed up in advance. To sign up or receive more information, please email us at witandwisdommodels@gmail.com.