20-3064-1 O Scale Premier 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 For availability see 'Find it locally' tab $999.95Product InformationDescription2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0 - L&N Cab # 1974 Roadname: Louisville & NashvilleProduct Item Number: 20-3064-1Catalog: BB 2001 Volume 3Product Line: PremierScale: O ScaleDelivery Status: Delivered DEC. 2001This product is compatible with all O Gauge 3-Rail track systems including those systems offered by Atlas and Gargraves and Lionel and Ross Custom Switches. OverviewIn the 1920s, increased competition meant that railroads had to come up with new ways of doing business if they hoped to remain successful. Up to that time, most freight was moved by connecting as many cars as possible to a locomotive and having the steam engine heave and drag them along (called "drag freight"). Some railroads decided to compete more effectively by increasing the speed, not the capacity, of their freight trains. The Lima Locomotive Works' 2-8-4 Berkshire steamer, introduced in 1924 and named for the Massachusetts mountains where it was demonstrated, helped make this happen. The Berkshire was dubbed a "Super Power" engine because its larger firebox grate and other related elements (which necessitated the 4-wheel trailing truck) greatly increased the engine's steam-making capacity. And more steam capacity means more power and more speed. In all, 611 Berkshires were built for several railroads. They were a huge success and remained in service on U.S. rails until 1958, well into the diesel era. M.T.H. presents our intricately detailed 2-8-4 in four exciting new paint schemes, for Erie, Louisville & Nashville, Pere Marquette, and for the Golden Spike Centennial Limited, which celebrated the centennial of the driving of the Last Spike in Promontory, Utah in 1869 (see story box). Did You Know? The first 2-8-4 was built with 63" drivers, but railroads soon discovered that it had so much more steam capacity than previous freight engines it could power larger - and therefore faster - drivers, and subsequent models had 69"-70" drivers. Cruising speeds averaged about 55 mph. Features- Die-Cast Boiler and Tender Body - Die-Cast Metal Chassis - Authentic Paint Scheme - Metal Wheels and Axles - Constant Voltage Headlight - Die-Cast Truck Sides - Precision Pittmanr Flywheel Equipped Motor - Locomotive Speed Control - Remote Controlled Proto-Couplerr - Engineer and Fireman Figures - Operating Firebox Glow - Metal Handrails and Decorative Bell - Decorative Metal Whistle - Operating Marker Lights - Lighted Cab Interior - Operating ProtoSmoker System - Operating Tender Back-up Light - Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring:- Freight Yard Proto-Effects - Unit Measures:26" x 2 1/2" x 3 7/8" - Operates On O-54 Curves Find It LocallyThis product may not have shipped yet or is completely sold out. Click on the show button to see who might have it on order. Support