Description
This Kato N Scale SP Class GS-4 4-8-4 is based on the streamlined locomotives buit by Lima for the Southern Pacific. The prototype GS-4 runs on eight massive 80" drivers, 300lbs psi boiler pressure, and puts out a roaring 5,500 horsepower at 55mph, with a maximum speed of 110 mph. The large drivers gave the locomotive a high top speed; the telling mark of a steam engine built for passenger service. The GS-4 was delivered in the early 1940s for the SPs premier passenger trains, finding its way to the Daylight series of name trains and wearing the classy orange and red passenger scheme. Several GS-4s have worn different schemes including #4449, which is still in operation in 2022. One of the more unique specifications for the GS-4 by the SP was its Mars light, a necessity with the large amount of grade crossings and fog present on the West Coast. The Mars light, like ditch lights on modern locomotives, was utilized as a warning for grade crossings that a high speed train was approaching, its shifting light patterns serving as an eye catcher in foggy conditions. This ready-to-run, standard DC 4-8-4 features mechanism with dual flywheels, directional LED headlight, simulated working Mars light, highly detailed body, great decoration and Kato knuckle couplers. These locomotives will be at home on the head end of your railroad's SP passenger consists. This standard DC locomotive is easily converted to DCC using the Kato EM13 Motor Control Decoder #381-29351 (sold separately). This Class GS-4 4-8-4 is one of many Kato N Scale diesel locomotives.