Rudy Kouhoupt scratch-built this 2-8-0 steam locomotive at a scale of 3/8″:1′. He also scratch-built five railway express cars, mail cars, and passenger cars to go with this model. The locomotive and rail cars are shown on display together.

One of the first large donations to the Miniature Engineering Craftsmanship Museum was the collection of famed model engine builder Rudy Kouhoupt. After retiring as a chemist, Rudy had a second career building engines and writing magazine articles documenting the process. Many people have built his models, but we have the honor of displaying all of his original prototypes. Rudy’s collection includes scale model engines, locomotives, tractors and more. Additionally, thirteen of Rudy’s model steam engines are hooked up to run on compressed air to demonstrate their function. 

Exhibit added: November 16, 2023 - Last modified: February 5, 2024

Presented by The Joe Martin Foundation for Exceptional Craftsmanship