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Examples of Varney Projects

Gordon Varney was correctly named the "Dean of HO scale".  He definitely played a crucial part in bringing the hobby to the smaller size and offering those with less space a tremendous opportunity to enjoy model railroading at its fullest.  Varney's famous V-1 motor was the beginning of his HO endeavor.  It was small enough to place in an HO scale loco, with enough power to provide modelers a nice sized consist.  It was 6 volts, like most of the motors of that day.

Varney first offered the 4-6-2 Pacific and the 2-8-0 Consolidation in the late 30's, early 40's.  HO scale was just beginning when these famous locomotives made their appearance.  The Pacific had the USRA boiler style and was patterned after the Southern Pacific prototype.  The Consolidation was designed after the Reading 2-8-0.  Soon the 2-8-2 Mikado followed, and the other models were also added to the line.

These models looked a bit crude by today's standards, but with a some effort and customization, made a beautiful prototypical model .  The mechanisms were of the finest manufactured and were many times referred to as "running like a fine-tuned sewing machine".  Varney's kits were a bit costly, but represented the top-of-the-line quality of the day. The result was a smooth running, powerful locomotive that would rival any model on the market. The quality was apparent then, and now, as we find many 50 and 60 year old models still in operation today.

We restore dozens of Varney models each year, taking care to maintain the original characteristics of each original model. We offer both custom work or original restoration at your request.

From the small 0-4-0 Lil' Joe up to the mighty 4-8-8-4 Yellowstone, you'll find enjoyment in operating one of these vintage pieces and experiencing what model railroading was a half century ago.

One of our specialties of the Varney line is the cab-forward conversion of the Lil' Joe.  Kemtron originally made the cab forward piece to fit this loco. They also offered a small 4 wheel truck to fit under the front of the unit. We have access to similar pieces and customize these locos on a regular basis.

Varney also offered a complete line of rolling stock.  From time to time we pick up many of these pieces for sale.  We also have several of the parts and details for these cars in stock, including original type 4 wheel trucks and couplers.  Inventory will vary from time to time during the year.

At Yardbird Classic Trains, we are committed to keeping our rich model railroading heritage alive. Varney's models are certainly a big part of that heritage.

Yardbird Classic Trains - Varney restoration and custom building

1952 Brass Streamlined Hudson

Varney Lil' Joe 0-4-0 Dockside

1949 Standard Pacific