This is an MTH 30-1440-1 Norfolk and Western 4-6-2 Forty-Niner Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 2.0. The discovery of gold in California precipitated the Gold Rush of 1849 and forever changed the West. In just over a decade, California was transformed from a sleepy paradise of 14,000 souls to a state with over 300,000 inhabitants. Nearly a century later, the Golden State still had the aura of the Promised Land, and three railroads teamed up in 1937 to inaugurate a train named after the event that started it all. Hauled between Chicago and San Francisco by the Chicago & North Western, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroads, the Forty-Niner was a way to arrive at the Coast in style. Operating on a 49-hour schedule, the train featured its own dedicated air conditioned, streamlined, all-Pullman trainset, with valet and stewardess services as well as a shower and a barber shop.For its portion of the Forty Niner's journey, the Union Pacific assigned a 4-8-2 Mountain-type steamer to the Cheyenne-Ogden stretch, and Pacific #2906, a 1920 Baldwin product, to the Omaha-Cheyenne run. Both engines were rebuilt with Timken roller bearing lightweight rods and streamlined shrouds, the only steam engines ever to be streamlined by the UP. Inaugurating service in the same year as the Southern Pacific's Daylight, the Forty Niner ran five round trips a month. The most difficult part of the journey proved to be the departure from Omaha's Union Station. The tracks had a definite sag in the middle, and #2906 often had a hard time starting her eight-car train out of this dip, occasionally needing help from the terminal switcher. Business boomed in 1939 and 1940 as Midwesterners came to the Golden Gate International Exposition on Treasure Island in San Francisco Bay, but in 1941 the Forty Niner was discontinued. Pacific 2906 was assigned to more mundane duties and could often be found with a train of heavyweights in tow. Add this colorful, kitschy 1930's streamliner to your roster in her original UP colors or one of several "might-have-been" paint schemes. With any version, you'll get Proto-Sound 2.0's variety of sounds, synchronized puffing smoke, and smooth, steady performance at any speed. Features include Die-Cast Boiler and Tender Body, Die-Cast Metal Chassis, Authentic Paint Scheme, Metal Wheels and Axles, Constant Voltage Headlight, Die-Cast Truck Sides, (2) Precision Flywheel Equipped Motors, Locomotive Speed Control, Remote Controlled Proto-Couplers, Metal Handrails, Synchronized Puffing ProtoSmoker System, Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring: Passenger Station Proto-Effects, Unit Measures: 20 1/4" x 2 1/2" x 3 3/4", and it Operates On O-31 Curves.

This item has been graded per TCA standards C-8: Like New based on visual appearance. The wheels show average signs of wear, but the item is like new. The instruction manual is not included. The original box is included. The box has some edge wear, light creases and small tears. Please see our photos for a more detailed look. Due to the date of manufacture, the buyer may need to replace the battery. Overall condition is Like New.

Condition: Like New (C-8)
Operational Status: Functional
Original Box: Yes (P-6)

Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 30-1440-1
Years Manufactured: 2007 - ????
Road Name: Norfolk & Western (NW)

Scale/Era: O Modern
Model Type: Steam Loco


The Trainz SKU for this item is 6287509.

Trainz Product Id: 11439677