Details

MTH 30-2500 O Gauge GG1 Electric Locomotive Brunswick Green 5 Stripe

NOS (New Old Stock)

By the 1930s, the Pennsylvania Railroad needed a new long-haul passenger locomotive to work its extensive 2,677 miles of electrified track. Aside from high performance requirements, the railroad wanted a center cab for crew safety and a bi-directional body so that the new locomotive could quickly return to service without having to be turned. A General Electric design with a 4-6+6-4 wheel arrangement was chosen. The prototype locomotive with riveted body panels was delivered to the railroad in 1934.

Before production began, the railroad hired industrial designer Raymond Loewy to refine the locomotive’s form. Taking a cue from the automobile industry, he did away with the rivets of the prototype in favor of welded seams that highlighted the locomotive’s streamlining. The famous five-stripe cat whiskers livery was also his creation. Raymond Loewy turned the GG1 into a timeless masterpiece, a design that still looks modern even today, 80 years later.

A locomotive cannot survive decades of mainline service on good looks alone. The GG1 is still considered by many to be the most successful electric ever built. With a starting tractive effort of 72,800 pounds, the GG1 produced 4,620 continuous horsepower with a top speed of 100 miles per hour. Despite such power, the GG1 proved to be one of the most stable locomotives of any type on the rails. Steel truss body supports and a well balanced, articulated frame contributed greatly to the smooth ride.

Moving over 600 trains per day, 139 GG1’s joined the PRR roster between 1934 and 1943. They dramatically cut down train times, such as slashing the schedule of The Congressional from 4 hours, 15 minutes to 3 hours, 35 minutes. Such efficiency is often credited with single-handedly saving the Pennsy from total collapse during the unprecedented increase in passenger traffic during World War II.

Over the decades, GG1’s were involved in some notable historical moments. In 1953 during the inauguration of President Eisenhower in Washington, D.C., Pennsylvania #4876 suffered a brake failure while entering Union Station causing her to overrun the track spur and crash through the concourse floor. The locomotive was cut into sections, removed, then rebuilt and sent back into service. With crowds of trackside mourners following its route, Penn Central #4901 led the 1968 funeral train of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

The GG1 survived even after the Standard Railroad of the World disappeared. They served through the Penn Central era and hauled freight and passenger consists on Conrail, Amtrak and NJ Transit. The last unit was retired in 1983, making the GG1 the longest running mainline locomotive in history.

FEATURES:

• O-Gauge, Traditional O-Scale
• Die-cast Metal Body
• Directional Headlights
• Lighted Markers
• 2 Flywheel Equipped Motors
• DCRU Reverse Unit
• Electronic Digital Horn
• Die-cast trucks
• Stamped Metal Chassis
• 2-Metal Operating Pantographs
• All Metal Gears
• Compatible with Most AC Transformers
• Operates on O-27 or greater curves
• Length: 15″

NOTE: NOS (New Old Stock) / USED items are as-is and not returnable. If you have any questions please ask before purchasing.