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February 11, 2008 - While our Union Pacific 4-12-2 is not the first O Gauge model of this unique three-cylinder locomotive, we believe it is the best ラ boasting smoother performance and more detail than any previous brass or die-cast version. Separately-applied details include sanding pipes to all 12 drivers, air and steam pipes with valve handles, brake shoes on all drivers, accurate builderメs plate and superheater patent plate, opening cab roof vents, front mounted air brake pumps, and hinged cab deck plate to give the fireman access to the tender. Boiler walkway surfaces are embossed with safety tread.

 

Perhaps the most fascinating detail is the working Gresley valve gear on the pilot deck, a series of levers that uses the valve gear of the two outside cylinders to drive the valve gear of the inside third cylinder. The design for this valve gear was licensed by ALCo from Sir Nigel Gresley, designer of the Flying Scotsman and other three-cylinder British locomotives. Sir Nigel, however, tended to obscure his Gresley valve gear under a protective cover, while the UP exposed it for easy maintenance access ラ much to the enjoyment of railfans, who delighted in the sight of these massive levers rocking about madly when the engine was at speed.

The modelメs sound system is set to a prototypically correct six chuffs (and six smoke puffs) per driver revolution. As with all Proto-Sound 2.0 steamers, however, the chuff rate on the 9000-series 4-12-2 can be set higher or lower using a DCSTM handheld controller, to adjust the sound to individual user preference. When operating with DCS, you can also use the handheld to limit the modelメs top speed to a prototypical 55ヨ60 scale miles per hour. Lighting on the models includes illuminated number boards, classification lights, firebox glow, cab interior light, and headlamp.

Behind the modelメs cab rides a Vanderbilt tender just as richly detailed as the locomotive, and connected to the engine by a wireless drawbar. As with all Premier steam engines, there is a real coal load. Opening hatches conceal sound and smoke モvolumeヤ controls and a battery charging port. Marker lights and a backup light provide illumination. The six-wheel trucks feature safety chains, and a rerailing frog hangs from the tender side to aid the crew in the event of a minor derailment.

Prototype Info

For much of the twentieth century, the Union Pacific had a love affair with massive, bigger-than-life locomotives. Some examples, like the Challenger and Big Boy, were great successes, while others like the gas turbines and DD40AX モCentennialヤ diesel were noble failures. One of the UPメs earliest and most successful big engines was the 9000-class 4-12-2, which boasted the longest rigid wheelbase of any American steam locomotive. Designed for fast freight service, the eighty-eight 9000-class engines were built by Alco in 1926-30, during a period when low-speed モdragヤ freight service ラ the norm on American railroads for decades ラ was being largely supplanted by freight trains running at passenger speeds. The 9000s could haul a mile-long train at over 50 mph, twice the speed of the Mallet articulateds they replaced.

Known as a モUnion Pacificヤ type for their wheel arrangement unique to the U.P., the 9000s were also the most successful three-cylinder rod locomotives ever built. The third cylinder was placed between the two outside cylinders and drove a rod connected to the second axle, which was shaped like a crankshaft rather than a straight axle. A pair of hinged rods driven off the outer cylinders, and clearly visible on the pilot in front of the cylinders, operated the third cylinderメs valve gear. The rest of the middle cylinderメs machinery, however, was not so visible or accessible, and tended to receive less than the optimal amount of attention from shop crews. Despite the maintenance headaches of the third cylinder, however, the 4-12-2s proved versatile and dependable. When faster and more powerful Challengers and Big Boys replaced them as the UPメs premier freight engine, the 9000s became the principal freight power on the Nebraska division, where they served until early 1956. Engine No. 9000 was saved from the scrapper and resides today at the Los Angeles County Fairplex in Pomona, CA.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check out the 4-12-2 in action. Click here to see it operate.

CHOOSE FROM THREE MODELS

Item No. 20-3293-1 Union Pacific 4-12-2 9000 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels)

Cab No. 9000

Item No. 20-3293-2 Union Pacific 4-12-2 9000 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Scale Wheels)

Cab No. 9000

Item No. 20-3294-1 Union Pacific 4-12-2 9000 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels)

Cab No. 9010

Item No. 20-3294-2 Union Pacific 4-12-2 9000 Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Scale Wheels)

Cab No. 9010

WHERE TO BUY
The 4-12-2 is available in very limited quantities. Check with your local M.T.H. Authorized Retailer for ordering details.