This page last updated December 18th 2007

The NKP Berkshire production has now sold out

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NKP S3 Berkshire 779type 2-8-4

S3 Berkshire # 779 was the last steam locomotive purchased by the Nickel Plate Railroad. It was also the final steam locomotive manufactured by Lima-Hamilton Locomotive Works in Lima Ohio. The "Van Sveringen Berkshires" as they where called, represented the ultimate development in steam locomotive design  before that concept had to give way to the internal combustion locomotive.

Aster Hobby Co. Inc. has faithfully reproduced this magnificent locomotive in 1/32 scale as a fully operational live steam locomotive. If you are interested to join the rank of Railroad model enthusiasts who enjoy the  experience and excitement of operating a real steam operated model locomotive, call Aster Hobby USA LLC or your nearest dealer for more information.

The 2 pictures below show the actual Aster NKP # 779 model in operation under steam

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The 4 pictures above feature a standard Aster NKP Berkshire #779 masterfully converted to a C&O "Kanawha" by Ross Schlabach

click thumbnails to enlarge

 To gain access to important corrections in your assembly manual please click> errata sheet < with your pointer.

 

 

Meet the designer of the beautiful Aster NKP Berkshire model.

Yoshi Minatodani , or Minato-San as he is called in his native Japan, is no stranger to many US live steamers. After all, he visited the Diamondhead steam up in 2003 when his other lovely design, the JNR C62/2 Hokkaido (Hudson type 4-6-4) was introduced. He started with Aster Hobby .Co. Inc. after working in the design department of a major Japanese Camera manufacturer. His first assignment at Aster was during the development of the H8 Allegheny. He is now working on the completion of the JNRD51 locomotive.

 Click any thumbnail below for full size picture      

Pictures of  the Aster NKP # 779 Berkshire prototype locomotive have been posted November 29th. 2004. (subject to changes).

 Latest photos (inside the green cells) have been posted June 21st. and show additional decorative detail.

All Berkshire development pictures are the property of Aster Hobby Co. Inc. and Aster Hobby USA LLC and may not be copied or reproduced without permission of the owner.          All rights reserved.     

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Builders Plate of NKP Berkshire 779 (the last steam locomotive built by LIMA locomotive works)

 

photo below: A brand new NKP 779 photographed in Cleveland OH enroute to Chicago for the 1949 Rail Road Fair.

Photo below: A gleaming NKP 779 at the Chicago Rail Road Fair August 1949 

 Below : NKP 779 as retired from Service

Below: NKP 779 at her resting place in Lincoln Park  Lima Ohio
Almost at the same time Aster  released their live steam model of NKP Berkshire # 779, the Fort Wayne Historical Railroad Society has completed a 5 year ground up restoration of the famous NKP Berkshire S2 # 765. This locomotive is now ready and will soon   be operating in steam excursions again.

Please check the website www.765.org  for more information.                            Pictures of NKP 765 below courtesy FWRH.