The prototype for the Bachmann HO Scale 4-6-4 J3a Hudson was the iconic, high-drivered engine that hustled fast trains across the NYC system. As the demand for rail travel increased in the 1920s, the need for faster, more powerful locomotives to pull the 20th Century Limited and other express services along the New York Central's Water Level Route become clear. The solution was delivered by the American Locomotive Company in 1927, as the 4-6-4 Hudson entered service alongside its namesake Hudson River. The type quickly became a symbol of both the New York Central and fast, luxury rail travel. Factory-set for maximum realism and equipped with a TCS WOWSound(R) CD-quality 16-bit 44,100Hz decoder with Audio Assist(R), the Hudson arrives factory-programmed for maximum realism with a steam locomotive sound package that features user-definable whistle options, bell, blowdown, cylinder cocks, water fill, coupler close and release, brake application and release, momentum, grade crossing quill, station announcements, and more. Other features include directional LED lighting, authentic detail, and a varied selection of prototypical paint schemes. This model features an injection-molded body, fine decoration, RP25 contour wheels for operation on Code 70 and larger rail and E-Z Mate(R) Mark II knuckle couplers. It performs best on 18" or larger radius curves. The 4-6-4 J3a Hudson is one of many Bachmann HO Scale locomotives.