Walthers Proto
PROTO 2000 Heritage Series Steam 2-8-4 - Powered
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Undecorated
Walthers Part # 920-90056, p. 29 Walthers 2009 N&Z Scale Reference
N scale, $194.98, sold out at Walthers
Some dealers have received this item from Walthers in the past. Click here for a listing.
New N Scale 2-8-4s Join PROTO 2000 Heritage Series
These large, modern, distinctive-looking engines were known for their
ability to handle heavy freights on fast schedules. Born out of a need to
develop a new model with improvements in speed and horsepower over
W.W.I-era USRA 2-8-2 locomotives then in use, these advanced locomotives
incorporated a larger firebox that required the support of a four-wheel
trailing truck. A 2-8-2-turned-2-8-4, modified by a Lima Locomotive Works
design engineer, tested on the Boston & Albany in 1925 and demonstrated an
impressive increase in power over the rolling mainline through New York's
Berkshire Hills. The wheel arrangement was quickly dubbed the "Berkshire."
Over the next few years Lima improved the design and, acting on the
specifications of the "Advisory Mechanical Committee" of the railroads
controlled by the Van Sweringens, constructed 2-8-4s with 69" drivers for
high-speed freight service. These impressive machines were ordered by the
Nickel Plate Road, Pere Marquette and Chesapeake & Ohio. While all built to
similar specifications, each had details and some small appliances unique
to their owning railroads. All were built in the 30s and 40s, and most were
retired with the coming of diesels in the mid- to late-50s. In 2007, one
Pere Marquette and two NKP Berks survive in excursion service, and many
others are on display.
N Scalers looking for superpower steam will like these handsome 2-8-4s
based on prototypes built for the Van Sweringen controlled roads. The
models feature new numbers, along with over 50 hand-applied parts
roadname-specific detailing, blackened nickel-silver RP-25 wheels, driver
and tender electrical pickup, front and rear working knuckle couplers and
LED headlight and backup light. A flywheel-equipped five-pole motor powers
each smooth-running model with skew-wound armature. The locos run on code
55 track and can handle curves as sharp as 9-3/4".
PROTO N 2-8-4 Berkshires:
C&O #2744
C&O #2759
NKP #776
NKP #779
Pere Marquette
#1235
Pere Marquette
#1239
Undecorated
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