Pacific Lumber Company O Scale Premier Climax Logging Locomotive w/Proto-Sound 2.0 (Hi-Rail Wheels)

Geared locomotives like the Climax Steam Engine were created to ensure high tractive effort and adhesion when running at slow speeds on poor track. The Climax Manufacturing Company of Corry, Pennsylvania built about 1,100 of these engines between 1888 and 1928. These engines were popular where lumber was harvested and other specialized industrial work took place, especially in northern New England, the Appalachian Mountains, the upper Midwest, northern California, and the Pacific Northwest. Many of these locomotives were still operating well into the 1960s and are fondly remembered as one of the most exciting locomotives to watch.

The Climax Steam Engine differed dramatically from the conventional rod-driven steam locomotive in that it was driven by a crankshaft that powered the trucks with a network of gears. With trucks instead of big drive wheels, a fast exhaust, and slow speed (15-20 mph was the engine's top speed), the Climax bore little resemblance to other steam power. Geared engines like the Climax negotiated grades of up to 10% rather easily, and could hold the rail on track that routinely derailed many conventional locomotives. Working far from the shops, as it generally did, the Climax was rugged and easy to maintain, enduring incredible strain as it negotiated tough routes.