G2302

Locomotives

McQueen's Jupiter

Collins Cover Announcement 

EARLY LOCOMOTIVES

McQueen's Jupiter

A period railyard from the Age of Steam is the setting for this final cover in my mini-collection of five for this popular issue. Trains are always a well-received topic, and it has held true for this small series of COLLINS FDCs as they are almost sold out. In a busy and detailed hand-painted cachet scene, three different engines are puffing steam as they get their power up. Two have trains attached while the third has only its coal car.

Contrasting with the rural locales in my previous locomotive covers, this one features an urban industrial area. Several big factories with towering smokestacks are the backdrop while a neighborhood of row houses flanks one side of the busy rail complex. Inside the yard, several stretches of track lay side by side with the two center ones being kept open for trains passing through. To one side is a maintenance barn with cave-like entrances into which go the engines in need of service or repair. This cachet has the now familiar forest green border which binds my set together and will make them easy to distinguish as the COLLINS cachets for this issue.

One final thought. This set of five is a perfect group to practice what Professor Planty termed "cover appreciation". Lay the five out together on a desk or table and just study and savor them. You will find small details and enjoy the pleasure of a leisurely look. It often takes me awhile to get my various FDCs to you and I urge you to partake often in this viewing exercise so that you can better enjoy the items in your collection and also so that you can better understand why it takes me awhile to complete my COLLINS Covers.

Autumn 2022 Mail Sale Commentary 

G2301 to G2305 — Early Locomotives (7-28-94)

I can't remember the last time I saw these fantastic railroad cachets available on the open market, and they have never been in one of my Mail Sales before. For the Hudson's General stamp (G2301), the hand painted cachet shows an exciting close-up of a powerful steam locomotive. An old-time railroad yard is featured for the McQueen's Jupiter stamp (G2302). For the Eddy's Number 242 (G2303), I show a high trestle bridge with a train crossing. Emerging from a tunnel to the delight of spectators is an early locomotive for the Ely's No. 10 stamp (G2304). And to close out the set is a fabulous close-up of a mighty steam engine with an open track ahead for the Buchanan's No. 999 stamp (G2305). I can't emphasize enough how fast this set sold out when first offered and how difficult it is to find them now. Forest green borders on all five bind the set together. Perhaps the finest Collins railroad covers to date.