PROTO 2000 Heritage Steam USRA 0-6-0 Powered w/Sound & DCC -- Painted, Unlettered

As the US entered World War I, the need to move cars quickly in yards, industrial areas and ports became critical. But many roads soon found their switchers weren't up to the job. Once the United States Railway Administration (USRA) assumed control, the need for larger and more powerful switch engines soon became a priority. As with road engines, the USRA designed both a light (0-6-0) and heavy switcher (0-8-0), and construction began in 1918. Larger and more powerful than many 0-6-0s then in service, the USRA locos could handle all types of switching and some transfer work. In addition, the larger tenders carrying 8,000 gallons of water and 16 tons of coal increased efficiency, as fewer trips to the water tank and coal dock 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 of these engines, while others used the design as a starting po