This Broadway Limited HO Scale Class Q2 4-4-6-4 Duplex steam locomotive is based on a unique Pennsylvania Railroad engine. In 1942, the PRR built an experimental duplex drive freight locomotive, the Q1, with a 4-6-4-4 wheel arrangement. In 1944, after identifying a number of flaws with the Q1, the PRR built a second prototype, changing the wheel arrangement to a 4-4-6-4 and creating class Q2. This was followed by 25 production Q2 steam locomotives in 1945. These rigid-frame four cylinder locomotives may have been the epitome of superpower steam locomotive design. At 115,800 lbs of tractive effort and nearly 8,000 horsepower, the Q2s were the most powerful ten-coupled steam locomotives ever produced. These monsters were the greyhounds of the PRR, single-handedly hauling tonnage at high speeds over the PRR's lines.
Mostly seen on the Pennsy west of Pittsburg, these locomotives did venture east to territory such as Horseshoe Curve and their birthplace, Altoona. The Q2 was emblematic of the PRR's commitment to on-line coal producers to continue to use steam locomotives to power their trains after World War II. However, the Q2 could not match the maintenance records of the invading diesels and, by 1956, the last Q2 had been retired and scrapped. No example of this titan of the rails was saved for posterity.
This Stealth Series no-sound/DCC-ready model operates on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always ON with track power. Additionally some lighting functions may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs. This model includes a 21-pin decoder socket so you can add your favorite DCC or sound decoder when you're ready. It also features a built-in speaker so you won't have to add one later. Other features include a heavy die cast chassis and select roadname-specific details. Its wheels are profiled to operate on Code 70 and larger rail and curves of 18" radius but larger curves are recommended. The Class Q2 Duplex is one of many Broadway Limited HO Scale Paragon4 locomotives.
Mostly seen on the Pennsy west of Pittsburg, these locomotives did venture east to territory such as Horseshoe Curve and their birthplace, Altoona. The Q2 was emblematic of the PRR's commitment to on-line coal producers to continue to use steam locomotives to power their trains after World War II. However, the Q2 could not match the maintenance records of the invading diesels and, by 1956, the last Q2 had been retired and scrapped. No example of this titan of the rails was saved for posterity.
This Stealth Series no-sound/DCC-ready model operates on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always ON with track power. Additionally some lighting functions may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs. This model includes a 21-pin decoder socket so you can add your favorite DCC or sound decoder when you're ready. It also features a built-in speaker so you won't have to add one later. Other features include a heavy die cast chassis and select roadname-specific details. Its wheels are profiled to operate on Code 70 and larger rail and curves of 18" radius but larger curves are recommended. The Class Q2 Duplex is one of many Broadway Limited HO Scale Paragon4 locomotives.