AHM 5169-04 D.R.L.Co. Heisler 3-Truck Logger

Moving logs was tough work in the mid-19th century and many operators began using railroads to speed up production and delivery. With no need for permanent track, logging lines were built fast and cheap. Uneven roadbed, sharp curves and steep grades proved too much for conventional rod-driven steam locomotives so loggers, engineers and inventors began developing gear-driven locos that could handle both adverse track conditions and heavy loads. The fastest, last and, arguably the best of the three prominent types of the period would soon be known by the name of its inventor - Charles Heisler. Heislers were produced until 1941 in 2 and 3-Truck variants. The shaft driven third truck held an extended water supply. Of the over 600 produced, a remarkable 30 have been preserved.

This incredible AHM 5169-04 D.R.L.Co. Heisler 3-Truck Logger was made in Italy by Rivarossi and, boy, did they nail it. So to speak. With flawless and reliable mechanical engineering and, being a Premier Production Model, heavy loads of detail, this Rivarossi Heisler is one of the most fascinating and remarkable blue collar locos ever made.

FEATURES:

• C-9 Mint Condition with Fair* Original Box.
• MRRHQ Locomotive Works restored, serviced, tested and certified.
• Little or no indication of run time.
• Realistic operating piston/universal joint drive shaft system.
• Operating front and rear Headlamps.
• One-piece boiler, cab and tender of pressure-cast high impact plastic.
• Castings are sharp and clean and include highly detailed boiler fronts, smoke stacks, valves, pipes and rivet heads.
• Real Brass fittings and 3-piece bell.
• Powerful can motor.
• All metal gears assembled on knurled axles.
• Authentic brass hex-head screws for side rods.
• Heavy cast metal locomotive and tender frames.
• Upgraded with working front and rear Kadee all-metal Knuckle Couplers.
• Optional Upgrades Available:
  • TCS MC2-KAC Standard DCC Decoder Installed.
• AHM Catalog: 1993
• Click HERE for more information on this fascinating locomotive class.

HO Scale 1:87

Dimensions: Loco 6' L x 2 1/4" T x 1 1/4" W. 3rd Truck 2 1/4" L x 1.5" T x 1 1/4" W

*The original box is rough but intact. We replaced the missing cellophane window and repaired several tears. The inner cradle was, basically, destroyed. We meticulously repaired it as well as possible and reinforced it with foam rubber. The box and cradle though less than beautiful do, now, protect the loco quite well.