The American Crocodile

Nice engine, but not really a crocodile - that would imply articulated noses. Still, as close as the US ever came to having one.

I would have to change out that whistle sound, LOL.

Realizing that the engine body is not articulate like the Swiss croc, I would imagine that the prototype would have been pretty fascinating to watch, too. Most anything with side rods has a fascinating "monkey-motion" to it. Must not have been too successful; wasn't there only one ever built?

Paul Fischer

Who makes this locomotive and what is the price?

Al W.

Who makes this paticular locomotive and what is the price?

Al W.

quote:

Originally posted by Al W.:
Who makes this paticular locomotive and what is the price?

Al W.

MTH made it in '04 as a Premiere product.

Techie:
Thanks for the info. Now that you mention it, I remember it but I did not look favorably at Premier locos at that time.


Al W.

The one who made the video used to be a regular on this forum (same user name).

First time I've seen a YouTube ad that was actually relevant to this hobby ("Model Railroad Track Plans--Get the most from your rail track, however little space you have")

---PCJ

I love Electric motor powered engine's. That is one fine looking Electric. I recall that MTH priced these at around $700.00 in 2004. I have seen these at a few train meets in the past few years for $450.00 to $500.00.

Many thanks,

Billy C

quote:

Originally posted by fisch330:
Must not have been too successful; wasn't there only one ever built?

Paul Fischer

I believe that a total of 25 were made in 4 different subclasses. The very first engine in the class (the one that the MTH model depicts) ran on pantographs using AC power while all the remaining engines used 3rd rail DC power. It wasn't as successful as the DD1s that these were supposed to replace. Something related to poor weight distribution, the side rod design, and the long rigid wheelbase made it unsuitable for long and short distance running; they were taken out of service before the DD1s even though they were newer.

I bought one from a forum member,love the haunting whistle but it does seem to have a apitite for traction tyres even on my 072 curves.

The American crocodile lives in south Florida, is closely related to the Cuban croc and
prefers salt-to-brackish swamp and marshland, unlike the American alligator, as we also have in my area,
which prefers fresh-to-brackish waters. The American crocodile tends to be smaller than the American
alligator (as I recall, the only other alligator species on earth is the Chinese).

Alco made an alligator.

Not relevant, but since when has that stopped us?

Wow those Pin Wheel drivers are hypnotic!

Very cool!

Would the Bi-Polar be considered an American Croc?

quote:

Originally posted by D500:
Alco made an alligator.

Not relevant, but since when has that stopped us?

So can we MU an Atlas Alco alligator with a MTH Crocodile?

Re the Bipolar: Naw, it doesn't have the snoot!

John

quote:

Originally posted by Glenn Fresch:
Nice engine, but not really a crocodile - that would imply articulated noses.

Why not, just because the Swiss one was articulated? The L-5 has the Look.

Would an articulated nose be out of joint?

John