Albert Campbell

Glenn Brooks posted on Chaski.org


 * I am looking for information regarding any existing miniature steam locomotives (7 1/2" or 12" gauge) made from castings sold by Albert S. Campbell between 1894 and 1950, or about the history of Mr. Campbell. Campbell was from the New York City and upstate New York area and was an active pioneer in live steam until his death in 1959. He was the first to produce and sell live steam castings for hobby gauge locomotives. However, I can't find any information about the hundred or more steam locomotives he sold throughout his career. Reportedly the castings and locomotives were based on the famous New York Central Engine 999, the 4-4-0 American that set the world land speed record of 112 MPH on a 400 mile run from Buffalo to Batavia in March, 1894.

Mr. Campbell sold castings for 3-1/16 inch gauge, 4-3/4 inch gauge, and 6-1/2 inch gauge, and a 12-5/8 inch gauge 4-4-0, but never produced a 7-1/4 inch or 7-1/2 inch gauge engine. One of his highly detailed 1 inch locomotives appears in Frederick Shaw's 1958 Little Railways of the World book (in fact the book is dedicated Campbell), but so far the locomotive itself hasn't turned up. It would be great to know where it is!