Nickel Plate Road S-2 2-8-4 Berkshire 763

Presenting my Lego model of a mechanical masterpiece: the Nickel Plate Road 763, a Lime S-2 berkshire. The real 763 is preserved indoors at the Age of Steam Roundhouse Museum.
More models coming soon, for sure.

[@caleleiphart7408]

Your graphics designer absolutely killed it on the builders plates.

[@GlennHolland]

I'll say!

[@mr.greenfly5090]

Is it possible to book you as a graphic designer for Lego train Stuff? I built some Mocs from a page you know very well and they might miss some nice custom decals :)

[@thetaxman5302]

This is a wildly impressive build, I am thankful that you have decided to share it with the community here for us to see. I'm certainly inspired! I hope someday you will consider selling instructions and decals for your builds, I for one would happily pay a large amount of $$ to have the opportunity to build something so detailed, and prototypically accurate, and add that to my collection. Food for thought, thanks again Glenn

[@GlennHolland]

I sincerely appreciate your interest in my work and glad that I can inspire! Regarding instructions and decals, I've done that for a little while through Brick Model Railroader and Brickmania, and while it was fun and whatever compensation was a nice bonus, I've found I much prefer just building for myself and enjoying the non-monetized hobby. Very glad you enjoyed the model and video.

[@hoosit4]

@@GlennHolland Yes, I too, am inspired, impressed, drooling. And I agree with @thetaxman5302 that making instructions available someday in PDF only. I alone would pay in the triple digits. Keep are comments on record for that European Vacation. Thank you.

[@GlennHolland]

@@hoosit4 Thank you for the interest. PDF instructions would definitely not be my first choice in creating instructions for any of my models as it is easy to duplicate. Even still, I do not plan to create instructions for this or any of my other models for the foreseeable future.

[@virtualtrainstuff990]

Glenn this build is just absolutely incredible. The NKP Berkshire is my favourite American Steam Locomotive.

[@GlennHolland]

Very glad you like it! They certainly are awesome locomotives.

[@CarmenFiala]

the engine looks amazing, but then the whole consist behind it running on the track was icing on the cake. such an impressive build

[@GlennHolland]

Very glad you like it!

[@philipbrutz2175]

Excellent work

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@notalizardperson4140]

Hey Glenn! Just found your channel and recognized you as my tour guide from the Age of Steam Roundhouse! You have some incredible talent building with Lego! Looks like the real steel thing! Looking forward to more videos as a now happy subscriber!

[@GlennHolland]

Glad you enjoyed the tour, and glad you like my work!

[@michaelstrains4014]

This is beautiful! Need to buy one of these in HO…

[@GlennHolland]

Thanks! Actually, I'd love one in a traditional scale as well.

[@austinbrodzinski4444]

I have a PFM United brass model that I'm working on rebuilding as 765. With a little bit of detail work, they become very accurate models, and being PFM models they run good too

[@coajokazz]

Your videos are so awesome. Not only you are definetely one of the best steam locomotive builders, but all the background information you provide makes it a true complete masterpiece.

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you for the compliment, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Britishbricks]

This is such a beauty, should be incredibly proud! Would love to see all of your current models lined up together. Well done, mate!

[@GlennHolland]

Thanks so much Sam! I have been thinking of a model line-up video. Maybe I should do that sometime soon.

[@MackBricks]

This is insanity. I love it!! So many details, I totally can relate with the points you made. Very nice job! Love the headlight shade too

[@GlennHolland]

I'm very glad you like it! And thanks again for the inspiration to do the headlight visor.

[@csx42]

holy moly

[@GlennHolland]

Glad you like it, thanks for watching!

[@csx42]

@@GlennHolland of course! subbed too, these builds are next level. keep it up!

[@GlennHolland]

@@csx42 Much appreciated!

[@dodgerbaseballchronicles695]

HOLY MOLY!! Fantastic! Be very proud!

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you so much! I'm certainly glad to get this one published.

[@MaddoxsTrains]

You crushed it man! I haven’t had the feeling of building something in a little while, and this makes me pumped! I love the sand too

[@GlennHolland]

Very glad that you like the model, and that I could spread some excitement!

[@Bengraziano]

I would be all over this if Lego produced something even close to this. They’ve really been neglecting the train community the past few years. The last decent thing we got other than the Crocodile Locomotive was the Horizon Express

[@GlennHolland]

We are soon getting the Orient Express set, hopefully next year. I'm looking forward to that one.

[@zalaszente1942]

WoW as allways a realy great MOC nice job Glenn! it could go around the christmas tree :D

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you Zala!

[@mr.greenfly5090]

Wow! Great Model!

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@NickelPlateDave]

Beautiful Saw your post on on of the nickel plate road facebook model pages I Want one Badly would pay anything for one

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you very much, I really appreciate the interest!

[@OldIronVideo]

AWESOME I hope aos gives 763 a black smokebox soon

[@GlennHolland]

Thanks! It's pretty close to black now. I went for a dirty, in service look so I used black instead of dark bluish gray on the model.

[@Rula2020]

looks amazing 🤩

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@TMC0610]

The modified power reverse was actually a Nickel Plate change that began in the late '50s. In the S-2 class only two engines in the 740s (747 & 749) saw this change, most if not all of the 750s got it, and same with the 760s except 763 which I find odd. Maybe engineers started complaining about having to crank the wheel while switching so NKP changed the screw to a quadrant. LOL. Your model is excellent and captures the look of a late seam era Berk perfectly! Definitely one of the best models I have seen in Lego! It's a shame you aren't interested in releasing it because I kinda want one now!

[@GlennHolland]

How about that, I learned something new today. I'm surprised I didn't see mention of that in the book. Maybe I did and don't remember, lol Very glad that you like my model! I haven't ruled anything out but I'm not planning to sell it anytime soon.

[@tettazwo9865]

Impressive!

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@GL-xz3xk]

Amazing!

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@jquarters1896]

I just love you model Glenn. I’m going to try and build an s2 Berkshire too. It’s going to be nickel plate road 759 in her golden spike limited paint scheme. From Jacob

[@GlennHolland]

Jacob, glad you like it. Best of luck with your model of 759.

[@leozin935]

Nice engine bro

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you!

[@mamarussellthepie3995]

Should build 19 too lol

[@GlennHolland]

Check out my most recent video ;)

[@catgirlsteam5972]

The tandem rod seems to be an often missed feature on van sweringen berks, I've included it on a digital model of Pere Marquette 1225 I've been working on and I believe I'm one of the first to do so.

[@GlennHolland]

It's a wonderful detail. It's good that you decided to model it too.

[@catgirlsteam5972]

@@GlennHolland I would never hear the end of it if I didn't, as I volunteer with 1225 and have friends who are part of 765's crew. It's one of those things you can't unsee once you notice it

[@GlennHolland]

@@catgirlsteam5972 Totally agree.

[@TheBrickCraftsman]

Beautifully done Glenn! Love all the piping and tiny details! Huge fan of those custom wheels and rods. Have you ever considered using PFx bricks to add sounds to it?

[@GlennHolland]

Thanks so much! I have considered using PFx but never was interested enough. Not being able to sync the chuff sound is a deal breaker for me.

[@GTech_builds]

that is well built you should make a website and sell replicas of them i would buy one for sure

[@GlennHolland]

Glad you like it! I have considered selling my personal models before, and have in a few cases (BMR, Brickmania) but my more recent models would not make for good products due to my modeling style. In addition, this model would be north of $2000 for sure. There is a market for that, but right now it is not worth the effort to produce models or kits for sale.

[@GTech_builds]

@@GlennHolland i supose but on different note do you think the person that made your conrods could make some for a 2-10-2

[@GlennHolland]

@@GTech_builds I made those - yes I could, but I'm not able to take orders for work like that right now.

[@GTech_builds]

@@GlennHolland ok ill get an old friend to 3d print them then

[@RogueTransformations]

Hi Glenn. Amazing build you should be very proud of. I was wondering how you powered the engine? What Lego motors did you use and how many? Where are they located together with the battery (and IR if using Power Functions)?

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you so much, very glad you like it! I'm using two Lego Power Functions L motors in the boiler to drive the driving wheels. They are geared 1:1 to XL size drivers. Control is two Power Functions v2 IR receivers, one for each motor (originally v1 receivers but since upgraded). Power is a 7.4v 2200 mAh battery from Tenergy.

[@RogueTransformations]

That's helpful - thanks Glenn - much appreciated! @@GlennHolland

[@aaronpayne4574]

Amazing build! The sand is a fantastic meaningful detail. Is it in loose or did you encase it in something like epoxy?

[@GlennHolland]

The sand is fixed in place with a scenic glue mixture - I used Elmers glue and water. It was only a little messy but once dry, no problems at all.

[@Trainboy11]

i seen that model at the age of steam roundhouse

[@GlennHolland]

Yeah, I’ve had this displayed there a couple times.

[@tylervance8486]

Hello I wanted to ask where and when 763 can buy the locomotive looks really nice

[@GlennHolland]

Very glad you like my model- but it’s not for sale.

[@261fan]

Holy shit… at first glance thougjt it was an mth model

[@GlennHolland]

Quite a compliment to be compared to traditional scale, thank you!

[@261fan]

@@GlennHolland anytime! Keep up the good work!

[@GlennHolland]

@@261fan Totally, there'll be more soon.

[@tylerpeck8047]

Hello, that is an amazing job! Who on shape ways made those custom rods for you? They almost look like the same rods on the brickmania New York central Mohawk (but better with the paint job).

[@GlennHolland]

I designed those parts myself and printed them using Shapeways - but they are not available in any sort of shapeways store. I designed the Mohawk rods too, actually. The team at Brickmania refined some of them for use in the set.

[@tylerpeck8047]

I would love to get those rods. I’m designing a Lego Canadian pacific Royal Hudson and the rods look very similar except using 3 xxl Big Ben wheels instead of 4. Do you sell those types of rod designs?

[@GlennHolland]

@@tylerpeck8047I'm glad you like them, but I don't have any of my custom parts available publicly.

[@blueberriespineapple438]

Really nice model ! Where did you find the blueprints for designing the rods ?

[@GlennHolland]

Thank you! I didn't use any blueprints or drawings when designing the rods and valve gear - I took scores of photographs of the real parts and modeled my parts to look correct.

[@andrewwillard5625]

Where do I buy those custom wheels and rods they look absolutely stunning and seem to work way better than Lego standards.

[@GlennHolland]

Very glad you like the wheels and rods. I designed those parts specifically for this model and they’re not for sale.

[@andrewwillard5625]

@@GlennHolland oh no problem man would just love to put something similar like that on my big boy moc has way to simple of a rod system needs something like that one day😂❤️

[@GlennHolland]

@@andrewwillard5625 you can find more generic custom solutions online- places like trained bricks. The rods of design are specific to a model. Best of luck with your projects!

[@sambrown6426]

I'm planning a locomotive with 55 inch drivers, and I was wondering whether I should go with medium-large or large drivers. What's your opinion?

[@GlennHolland]

I would say large - if you're using the 8studs/10 feet scale, or close to, 55" in diameter is closest to an L driver.

[@sambrown6426]

@@GlennHolland Ok, thanks.

[@acescionti711]

Dude. Please release this somehow. I want to buy this so bad

[@GlennHolland]

I’m very glad you like it enough to want one! Though I’m sorry to say I don’t have any plans to distribute this model or instructions publicly.

[@acescionti711]

@@GlennHolland ah. Crap. This is probably the most perfect Lego steam locomotive I’ve ever seen made. And I’d have been willing to pay a couple hundred dollars for it. Seriously fantastic work. Hope you will give it a shot one day under your own brick themed company. You could stand to make quit a bit of money

[@GlennHolland]

@@acescionti711 thank you so much for the compliment, it’s always nice to hear things like that! Just for your reference.. you’d need to add a zero to “a couple hundred” before you’re in the right price range. I did work with Brickmania to produce a New York Central Mohawk in 2020. That’s retailed for $2500 and we thankfully sold all of them. Still, your compliment means a lot, thank you again!

[@tylerpeck8047]

What was your technique for painting that beautiful white rim on the wheels?

[@GlennHolland]

I use a fine tip silver paint pen. This is slightly closer in color to the tire color on 763 currently. I understand the 700's were trimmed in "off white" on the NKP which was close enough to white for modeling purposes, though you may want to double check me on that. The silver I used is not flashy or too shiny and gives a realistic look I think.

[@tylerpeck8047]

@@GlennHollandthanks for the info, did you just spin the wheel with the paint pen making the outline?

[@GlennHolland]

@@tylerpeck8047 Yes, essentially. All paintwork was applied to parts not fitted to the model. It's much easier that way.

[@blockcity9479]

Where did you get the piece for the headlight? It looks good.

[@GlennHolland]

I'm using a 1x1 brick with studs on four sides, 1x1x2/3 slopes for the angled portion, and the visor is a piece that I designed which sits over a 1x1 round tile.

[@blockcity9479]

thank you@@GlennHolland

[@trainboy_4460]

Do you have any 3D print files for the wheels??? I'm building a accurate Pere Marquette 1225 for the holidays!

[@GlennHolland]

I do have files for the wheels, but they are not available to the public.

[@trainboy_4460]

O.k thank you!@@GlennHolland

[@jamesm6638]

Nice work but not a fan of those couplers...

[@GlennHolland]

That’s okay, you don’t have to use them

[@dukem258]

what motor is that loco using to run?

[@GlennHolland]

In this locomotive I'm using two Lego Power Functions L motors.

[@dukem258]

@@GlennHolland I built my own version of a lego bigboy using 2 L motors. It's a bit too heavy and creates a lot of current that the battery tends to overheat.

[@GlennHolland]

@@dukem258 use one receiver for each motor. Do the same with batteries if you have the space.

[@dukem258]

@@GlennHolland been thinking of getting the V2 receiver. read that handles that type of situation.

[@GlennHolland]

@@dukem258 you could do that too. Right now I have two V2’s in 763 and my Mohawk, along with some smaller engines.

[@Luckyblox14]

Can you do a 765 nickel plate engine

[@GlennHolland]

I could do that fairly easily, since I’ve done this one now it would just take some adjustment of details and new decals to make a 765. I’d like to do that someday.

[@Luckyblox14]

Cool

[@keyano_hobby.]

Where do you bought the wheels from?

[@GlennHolland]

I designed the driving and trailing wheels myself, they are not available publicly. You can get similar wheels online. The other wheelsets are ball bearing equipped from BMR.