The thing I find odd about this sale is the lack of information, the seller can not be the original owner. The signing event was at Fess Parkers winery so the locomotive has bounced from California to Alabama. So is it stolen, an abused item from an estate, a lot of questions that are not answered.

I actually contacted the seller. This is what he said: Thanks so much for the information. I bought this at an auction and did not have much information on it. Thanks again!

This was my original message to the seller:

Dear 4143ref,

I am an owner of one of these engines. just to help you out with your auction. These items were originally comissioned by Michael Broggie and Michael Campbell of the Carolwood Pacicfic Historical Society. The engines were made to commemorate "The Great Locomotive Chase" starring Fess Parker for the 50th annv of the film. Only 50 of these models were ever produced. There should be a box, a certificate of authenticity, an orange card from hartland loco works for a display case, and an instruction book titled Hartland Loco Works, 4-4-0 Locomotive operation and Warranty. Fess signed only 50 of these. For more information contact Michael Broggie at Carolwood.com He is happy to talk with folks and give you more info on your train. I wish you luck with your auction.

So not stolen!

OK, my thought of listing my Fess Parker didn't fly as not too much interest was shown. How about this?

Do we think anyone out there might be interested in paying a lot for a H-L-W Lilly Belle, Tender obviously) Signed Michael Broggie caboose and the 4 freight cars that make up a complete set?

They've never been run outdoors or indoors. They were placed outdoors to take a couple pictures but no power was supplied. The Engine was recalled by H-L-W for a new drive unit and when it was returned, the packer was unkind and slightly bent the pilot. H-L-W has sent me a replacement part but I have not had the time to repair it yet. The original is not broken, just kinked down a bit. Enough to concern me should it be run outdoors and catch something a little high on the roadbed.

Still have the original shipping boxes but no fancy display cases.

If I end up listing it, it'll be a 5 day listing.

Anyone have comments can post them here or send me a private email.

Firstly, I'd replace the pilot. Then everything is mint and stock, and it can simply be listed as such. Also, I think you'll do better if you sell the items individually. Or, at least sell the locomotive separately, and sell the train cars together.

POP:

What sort of problem did they have with the Lilly Belle drive? I have one I have run occasionly without problems but I 'd like to know if I have problems waiting for me. I have E-mailed Hartland but I have not recieve a reply so I'm just wondering for now.

My LB is one that was manufactured a year or so ago, not one of the ones when the craze started. I don't know what the problem was but a little while after I received it I was informed that it may and might not have a drive unit problem. Hartland even sent a pickup tag for it so I didn't have to pay any freight going or coming.

Anyway, I didn't run it before and haven't run it yet so I don't know the difference before or after the change-over. I did have one of the original LB's and it did tend to run a little "jerky" outside. BUt then again, my track was not the cleanest. I do know that my LGB mogul runs pretty nice (for being 12 years old) on the same track. I was a little upset about the pilot being bent when packed by H-L-W for its return.

Anyway (again) I've decided to hang on the the LB and consist (?) for now. I did end up putting the General on eBay and will see what happens there.