Through the bequest in 1955 of John Semple Clarke, a model (figure 70)
formerly lent by him to the Museum has been added to the collection
(USNM 314615). A 4-4-0 of exquisite workmanship in brass and steel, the
model is 21 inches long and has a gauge of 2½ inches.
It was constructed during the 7-year period from 1907 to 1914 by George
Boshart, a toolmaker of Brookline, near Philadelphia, Pa. All rotating
and reciprocating parts are operable, though the boiler is apparently
not capable of generating steam. There is no tender with the locomotive,
none having been built.
It is not definitely known what, if any, original locomotive the model
represents, but some of its details are similar to those of locomotives
built at the turn of the century by the Schenectady Locomotive Works.
While it has been stated that Boshart patterned the model after a
Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive with which he was familiar, in certain
of its details the model does not appear to justify this claim. The
number on the model represents the year in which its construction was
started.
[Illustration: Figure 70.—Model of an American-type locomotive of
about 1900.]