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Examples of Penn Line Models

Penn Line Manufacturing began in 1947 when 3 men, Bob Faust, Albert (Abe) Mercer, and Linwood Stauffer, joined in a business venture to supply HO modelers a line of  model locomotives accurately portraying the famous Pennsylvania RR prototypes.  Their die-casting and stamping methods, as well as the use of the heavy Pittman motor, provided early modelers a beautifully designed locomotive that would haul a huge string of cars.  The company advertised that their locos could "pull a hundred cars", but in an article in the Boyertown Times, November 30, 1995, Stauffer only admits to a record of 78 cars pulled. Regardless, these were no doubt some of the finest running models available. 

Ironically, the company began its production with the first model being the famous "Crusader" locomotive, a well-known favorite on the Reading Railroad.  Only one production run was made of this loco, and as a result, it is one of the rarest vintage HO models to find. 

In the early years, Penn Line added a new locomotive to its roster almost every year.  Each one was purchased in kit form and was a bit challenging to build, except the midget diesel switcher, but promised the modeler a high quality piece when finished.  The main line-up was as follows:  E-6 Atlantic,  H-9 Consolidation,  T-1 Duplex,  L-1 Mikado,  the famous K-4 Pacific,  Whitcomb midget diesel switcher, the beautiful GG-1 electric loco, and a few various plastic-bodied diesels during its later years. 

In the mid 50's, the company expanded to include various train sets, mostly featuring the plastic body F-7's and GP-9's.  In 1955, Penn Line introduced a diesel set that featured a diesel horn that could be sounded anywhere on the track by a single button. 

The company grew and grew, but remained in the same small building in Boyertown, PA until the late 50's.  Some say this was partly responsible for its demise.  Penn Line finally moved to a new facility, but by then people's interests had also relocated somewhat, leaving many model companies with inventory on hand.  The owners attempted to update their product lines by adding slot-cars to the roster.  This proved to be their doom as they were not familiar enough with the new product lines, and used motors and designs that proved faulty.  The company officially went bankrupt in 1963.    Many of its steam locomotive assets were sold to Bowser Mfg. Co. in Montoursville, PA.  Bowser still sells models that began from this Penn Line roster, and carries parts for many of the old Penn Line models. 

Many of the original PL models are in use today and running just as well as they did 50 years ago.

Yardbird has refurbished and custom rebuilt dozens of these early Penn Line models for collectors around the country.    We also attempt to carry several obsolete parts to fit some of the early models.  Check with us for availability. 

Yardbird Classic Trains

Vintage Penn Line HO Restoration and Repairs

Penn Line Crusader

Custom Penn Line Decapod

Custom Penn Line Decapod