Rivarossi R5447 NYC J3A 4-6-4 Super Hudson #5442 with Scullen Disc Drivers

Brought on by the need for ever faster and more powerful passenger locomotives, the 4-6-4 Hudson was the next logical evolution of the 2-8-4 Berkshire. During the twilight of steam some of the more noteworthy Hudsons were the 12 NYC J3a' that were streamlined and found at the head of legendary Limiteds like the Empire States Express and the 20th Century Limited, perhaps the most famous of them all.

Development of the New York Central's Hudsons culminated in the J-3a class, Nos. 5405-5444, delivered by Alco in 1937, followed by the ten streamlined Hudsons a year later. This particular J3A, #5442, was one of the last three non-streamlined Hudsons built for the NYC and the first to feature the new Scullen Disc Drivers. In the late 1930's BoxPoc, Baldwin and Scullen disc drivers were replacing spoke style drivers as the drivers of choice. Machined from a single piece of steel, disc drivers were thought to be stronger than spoke drivers though there was never any real proof to bear out this assumption. One clear advantage of discs vs. spokes, however, was in maintenance. In a time intensive process, each individual spoke on each old style driver had to be inspected and tested for cracks after each run. Disc drivers only required a cursory inspection for cracks which proved to be a real time saver. The new disc drivers were also judged to be more attractive on the new streamlined locomotives. Case closed. To our knowledge, this Rivarossi 5447 NYC J3A 4-6-4 Super Hudson #5442 was the only Hudson produced by Rivarossi with Scullen Disc Drivers. A rare find indeed!

FEATURES:

• Superb C-9 Mint+ Condition with Mint Original Box.
• Test Track run time only.
• MRRHQ Locomotive Works serviced, tested and certified.
• Upgraded with MRRHQ Custom Bridge Rectifier Controlled Always-On High Performance LED Operating Headlamp.
• Upgraded with Factory Quality MRRHQ Custom LED Directional Back-up Light.
• One-piece boilers, engine covers, cabs and tenders of pressure-cast high impact plastic.
• Hyper realistic coal load in the Tender.
• Steel main and side rods.
• Steel handrails and coupler release bars on both loco and tender.
• Many additional fine details.
• Powerful Modern Can Motor.
• Scale 83" Drivers.
• 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.
  • Engineer Figure Installed in Cab.
• Made in Italy. Production Year 1994.

HO Scale 1:87