New Name & Numbers for Walthers USRA 0-6-0
Walthers announces a new run of HO Scale PROTO 2000® Heritage Series USRA 0-6-0 switchers. Perfect for vintage shortlines, freight and passenger terminals and all kinds of industries, the models will be available in Sound & DCC or Standard DC versions.
Fast Facts: As the US entered WWI, the need to move freight cars quickly became critical, but many railroads soon found existing switchers weren't up to the job. The United States Railroad Administration (USRA) made larger and more powerful switch engines a priority, designing both a light (0-6-0) and heavy switcher (0-8-0). Construction began in 1918.
Bigger and more capable than many 0-6-0s then in service, the USRA locos could handle all types of switching and some transfer work. In addition, larger tenders increased efficiency, as fewer trips to the water tank and coal tower were needed.
Production ended in 1919 with 255 engines built and in service on 28 railroads. Following the end of USRA control in 1920, some roads ordered copies, while others used the design as a starting point for improved 0-6-0s. Owners of original engines also began modifying them to match their own standards; many rebuilt tender coalbunkers to improve rearward visibility, and/or replaced headlights, bells and other appliances.
Features: A great addition to any steam-era railroad, the latest USRA 0-6-0s include:
• Factory Installed QSI Quantum System with Dual Speakers
• Sound Operates on DC or DCC - Features realistic exhaust, whistle, bell, squealing brakes, Doppler effect, air let off and generator whine; Trailer mode mutes whistle & bell for double-heading.
• Slow Speed Under 3 Scale Miles Per Hour and up to 59 Scale Miles Per Hour Fast Speed
• Traction Tires for Maximum Pulling Power
• Proto MAX™ Metal Knuckle Couplers
• Nickel-Silver Plated RP-25 Wheels
• Operating Cab Windows & Detailed Cab Interior
• Tender Coalbunker Style as Appropiate to Road
• History Booklet and Certificate of Quality
USRA 0-6-0
Scale: HO
Expected Delivery Date: December 2010
Retail Prices: Sound & DCC $349.98; Standard DC $249.98
B&O* - New Engine Numbers
920-60300 #374 Sound & DCC
920-67300 #379 Standard DC
CB&Q - New Engine Numbers
920-60301 #502 Sound & DCC
920-67301 #504 Standard DC
NKP - New Roadname!
920-60302 #384 Sound & DCC
920-67302 #383 Standard DC
PRR - New Engine Numbers
920-60303 #7011 Sound & DCC
920-67303 #8935 Standard DC
Painted-Unlettered
920-60304 Sound & DCC
920-67304 Standard DC
