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New delivery.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 duplex.

Had to get this iconic engine.  PRR only made one of these.

It was designed by Raymond Loewy.

140' 2.5" long and built to go 100 MPH.

84" drivers, timkin roller bearings and 300 lbs boiler pressure.

Reported 7,200 HP.

Duplex meaning it had two pairs of cylinders for a rigid base, essentially, 6-8-6 since the full size did not articulate. 

Cost about $700,000 in 1937 or $12,000,000 in 2018 dollars; and we thought  spending 1-2 million to re-build a steam engine was a lot of money!

Displayed at the New York's world fair, 1939.

In 1940, between Chicago and Crestline, Ohio, she reportedly reached 101 MPH.

This is a Gem model made by Olympia in 1965 and priced at $225 or about $1,800 in 2018: A lot of money then, and a lot of money, now.

This model is factory painted and there were only 72 painted models.

Gem gave it the slight 'green' look that PRR engines had.

This engine is 53 years old and it appears to have always been in the box.

The full size had a rigid frame; this model has an articulated frame, probably so one could run it on, back then, sharper layout curves.  With minimum 48" radii, the articulation will probably not be noticed, if any occurs.

I tested it on the track and only the back drivers were moving: after 'only' 53 years, the rubber coupling to the front drivers is shot.  Will have to take apart and PM, lube, etc.

Cool, I can say I've got the entire roster of this class of engine on the PRR!

 ====

 The box has a 'felt' surface.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 02PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 03PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 04

Appears to not to even been test run.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 05PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 06

Even has cab detail.  Something not seen on HO models in 1965.

A factory painted model was also rare in 1965.

 

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 07

Nice tender detail.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 08PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 09PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 10PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 11

The classification lights are even 'drilled' out.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 12PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 13

The stripes are actually raised brass.  Those Japanese craftsmen were true masters at their job.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 14

The tender trucks are articulated (moves up and down) with real springs.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 15PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 16

Many PRR tenders had red oxide tender decks.  Not sure if this 'only one engine' made had it and it would probably be hard to prove, one way or other.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 17PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 18

A comparison to a Key Big Boy for comparison.

Also, easy to see the 'green'.

PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 19

Attachments

Images (18)
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 02
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 03
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 04
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 05
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 06
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 07
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 08
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 09
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 10
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 11
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 12
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 13
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 14
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 15
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 16
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 17
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 18
  • PRR S-1 6-4-4-6 gem 19
Last edited by samparfitt

OGR Publishing, Inc., 1310 Eastside Centre Ct, Suite 6, Mountain Home, AR 72653
800-980-OGRR (6477)
www.ogaugerr.com

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