Milwaukee, Wis. - Walthers announces a second run of the new Proto 2000 Heritage Steam Collection USRA Heavy 2-10-2 in HO Scale. These models are available with sound and DCC (priced at $425 suggested retail), or as DC powered versions (priced at $325 suggested retail). Both versions have just arrived at Walthers.

In the early years of the 20th century, the 2-10-2 gained favor with many roads that wanted a powerful freight engine without the complexity of articulated types. Following the U.S. entry into World War I, the United States Railway Administration (USRA) designed both light and heavy 2-10-2s to meet weight restrictions on various railroads. With its large boiler and 63" drivers, the USRA Heavy 2-10-2 proved to be a good match for many lines. While it was built to move any long, heavy freight train at slow speed, it proved a perfect choice for coal and ore traffic, especially on routes where roadbed, rail and bridges couldn't handle heavier and bigger locos. Some engines built under USRA control, as well as copies delivered in the 1920s, were fitted with Baker valve gear, a popular design preferred by many railroads. Never a speed demon, the 2-10-2 was soon relegated to mine runs and ore jobs as railroads sought new designs that were both fast and powerful. In that assignment, the last USRA heavy 2-10-2 soldiered on until 1954.

This second series of USRA Heavy 2-10-2 models features new roadnames, and select models equipped with Baker valve gear to match prototype practice. An ideal choice for heavy freight service on HO Scale lines, each engine features:

• Available With or Without Sound & DCC - Sound operates on standard DC or DCC systems. Features Dual Steam Engine Sounds, Whistle, Bell, Squealing Brakes, Doppler Effect, Generator Whine and Trailer mode to mute whistle and bell for double-heading.
• Southern or Baker Valve Gear as Appropriate
• Separate Driver Set with Traction Tires for More Pulling Power
• History Booklet & Certificate of Quality
• Fully Assembled
• Hand-Applied Details
• Authentic Paint & Lettering
• Weighted for Maximum Traction
• RP-25 Wheels
• Detailed Cab Interior
• Multi-Wheel Electrical Pick-Up
• 5-Pole Motor with Skew-Wound Balanced Armature
• Precisely Meshed Gears
• Magnetic Knuckle Couplers

Roadnames and part numbers are as follows:

CB&Q - Southern Valve Gear
920-60014 #6302 w/Sound & DCC
920-60015 #6306 w/Sound & DCC
920-60016 #6303 Standard DC
920-60017 #6308 Standard DC

IC - Baker Valve Gear
920-60018 #2924 w/Sound & DCC
920-60019 #2952 w/Sound & DCC
920-60020 #2958 Standard DC
920-60021 #2933 Standard DC

B&LE - Southern Valve Gear
920-60022 #521 w/Sound & DCC
920-60023 #524 w/Sound & DCC
920-60024 #522 Standard DC
920-60025 #525 Standard DC

Painted, Unlettered - Baker Valve Gear
920-60026 w/Sound & DCC
920-60027 Standard DC

The newest Proto 2000 Heritage Steam Collection USRA Heavy 2-10-2s are now available. For more information on Walthers Proto 2000 Heritage steam locos, or to locate a dealer, visit Walthers on the Internet at walthers.com, call 414-527-0770 or write Walthers, P.O. Box 3039, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3039.