Norfolk Southern O Gauge RailKing ES44AC Imperial Diesel & Caboose Set With Proto-Sound 3.0
Overview
When an automobile is recycled, nothing much remains but molten metal. When a modern diesel locomotive is recycled, however, the frame and much of the exterior is re-used, while internal organs are replaced or upgraded. In an era when a new freight locomotive can cost upwards of $2 million, recycling old power makes both economic and ecological sense.
These models showcase the locomotive recycling efforts of the Norfolk Southern railroad. ECO engine 4700, assigned to yard service in the Chicago area, is one of a group of engines rebuilt in 2015-2016 to deliver lower emissions in major urban areas. The program was partially funded by Federal and state environmental grants - hence the map of Illinois and the slogan "Working Together for a Cleaner State" on its sides.
Locomotives 4000 and 4002 are lead engines in the "DC to AC" program begun in 2015, to upgrade 20-year-old diesels with more horsepower, lower emissions, more comfortable cabs, and conversion to AC electric motors in their 6-axle trucks. Compared with the DC motors that were once standard on diesels, AC motors can start a heavier train with the same engine horsepower; in effect, they put more of the locomotive's horsepower on the rails.
Features
Set Features
- ES44 Diesel Locomotive
- Extended Vision Caboose
Locomotive Features
- Intricately Detailed Durable ABS Body
- Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
- Metal Chassis
- Metal Handrails and Horn
- (2) Handpainted Engineer Cab Figures
- Authentic Paint Scheme
- Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
- (2) Remote Controlled Proto-Couplers
- Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting
- Directionally Controlled Constant voltage LED Headlights
- Lighted LED Cab Interior Light
- Illuminated LED Number Boards
- Operating LED Ditch Lights
- (2) Precision Flywheel-Equipped Motors
- Operating ProtoSmoke Diesel Exhaust
- Onboard DCC Receiver
- Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
- Near Scale Sizing
- Locomotive Measures: 17" x 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"
- Operates On O-31 Curves
Caboose Features
- Intricately Detailed Durable ABS Body
- Stamped Metal Floors
- Metal Wheels and Axles
- Die-Cast 4-Wheel Trucks
- Fast-Angle Wheel Sets
- Needle-Point Axles
- Operating Metal Latch Couplers
- Caboose Interiors With Overhead Lighting
- Decorative Brake Wheels
- Separate Metal Handrails
- Near-Scale Proportions
- Locomotive Measures: 17" x 2 10 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 4 1/4"
- Operates On O-27 Curves