Bachmann 00628 B&O "The Lafayette" Ready-To-Run Train Set

"The United States' first Common Carrier railroad, the Baltimore & Ohio, was established on July 4, 1828. The B&O's founders included the esteemed Charles Carrol---the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence, as well as many renowned bankers and merchants. Initial service on the rails was limited to horse-drawn carts, until the advent of the steam engine in 1830. This new technology increased rail business immensely, and in seven tears, the company's lines extended more than 107 miles. Unprepared for the demand for coal-powered machines, the engineers at B&O were only able to manufacture two locomotives in 1837. To increase capacity, the company turned to William Norris of Philadelphia to develop a brand new locomotive.

Norris' "Lafayette," the B&O's first 4-2-0 locomotive, was a true original in the rail industry. While its predecessors largely resembled pushcarts with chimneys, the innovative horizontal boiler on the Lafayette gave the locomotive an entirely new shape, which later would become the standard on most locomotives. The Lafayette was also the earliest locomotive to feature a leading truck.

The 4-2-0 was quickly recognized throughout the rail industry for its reliability, and went on to become the first standardized production model locomotive. The 4-2-0 eventually came to be known affectionately as the "one armed Billey" (a nickname that acknowledged both its simple drive system and the first name of its creator, William Norris)" (From: the product box.)

Set Includes:

• Complete C10 Mint Condition Train Set w/Mint Original Set Box
  • Norris 4-2-0 Steam Locomotive w/hand-tooled coal load in Tender.
  • Skew-wound motor.
  • Three historical passenger cars.
  • Metal detail parts including handrails and bell.
  • Nickel Silver Wheels.
  • 47" x 38" oval of snap-fit nickel silver "E-Z Track", including 12 pieces of curved track, 1 piece of straight track, and 1 plug-in terminal rerailer.
  • Power Pack and Speed Controller.
  • Illustrated Instruction Manual.
  • Protected by Bachmann's Lifetime Limited Warranty.
  • HO Scale 1:87