The Pennsylvania Railroads final steam locomotive development years were dominated by flashy, eye-catching streamlined designs jof unconventional wheel arrangements. Pennsy fans were often taken aback with the railroad's decision to abandon its deep seated affection for conventionalism.
Among the many new radical designs was the S1 Duplex. The 140 foot long 6-4-4-6 engine was aptly named "the big engine" by railroad men. She made her first public appearance at the 1940 New York World's Fair and later when not being studied for development of future locomotives, like the T-1 Duplex, was often seen whistking the "Trail Blazer" over the Fort Wayne Division at incredible speeds. Indeed, the S1 was capable of hauling 1,200 tons at over 100 miles per hour.
Returning to the M.T.H. Premier Line for the first time since 2003, the S1 appears in all her streamlined glory. Outfitted with the incredible sounds and features of Proto-Sound 3.0, the big engine is a must for any Pennsylvania Railroad enthusiast.
Did You Know?
No. 6100 was first revealed at the 1939-1940 World's Fair in Flushing Meadows, New York. Adorned in American Railroad livery rather than Pennsylvania, No. 6100 never ran on the roads in that scheme though its drivers did turn at the Fair, albeit on a roller bearing test bed.
