IHC Premier 23178 Reading 2-6-0 Camelback Locomotive #577

Camelbacks, also known as Mother Hubbards were first built by the Pennsylvania and Reading’s shops in 1877 and were a common sight in the anthracite coal regions of the US in the late 19 ^th and early 20^th Century. To take advantage of the available wealth of fuel, John E. Wooten developed the large, wide Wooten firebox to effectively burn anthracite waste that was both plentiful and cheap. Because of its efficient use of coal as a fuel the Camelback design was later adopted by railroads in the west and mid-west.

As the successful trailing truck used to support large fireboxes had not yet been developed, the Wooten firebox had to be mounted above the driving wheels which also improved traction. The problem now arose that, with a cab mounted at the then standard tender deck height, it would be impossible for the engineer to see forward around the firebox. Instead, a cab for the engineer was placed above and astride the boiler providing visibility and giving the Camelback its name. The fireman stood on the rear deck, covered by a small shelter, when firing the boiler. While the Camelback was designed for fast freight service, it was later also widely used in passenger service.

A classic UP black, silver and white color scheme, and being a Camelback after all, make this quiet and smooth running IHC Premier 23178 Reading 2-6-0 Camelback Locomotive #577 a must have for fans of Mid-Continent U.S. railroads.

FEATURES:

• New Sensational C-9 Mint Condition with Excellent Original Box.
• Test Track run time only.
• MRRHQ Locomotive Works serviced, tested and certified.
• Operating Headlamp.
• Upgraded w/MRRHQ Custom Directional rear tender lighting.
• One-piece boilers, engine covers, cabs and tenders of pressure-cast high impact plastic.
• Steel main and side rods, guides, hand rails, fittings and coupler lift bars.
• Real brass bell.
• Many additional fine details.
• Powerful state-of-the-art can motor w/flywheel.
• Easy rolling steel needle point truck axles.
• Upgraded with working rear Knuckle Coupler.
• Optional Upgrades Available:
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
• Made in Slovenia by Mehano. Production Year 1997.

Dimensions: 9 3/4" L x 2 1/8" T x 1.5" W

HO Scale 1:87