ATH-G88313 Athearn Genesis FEF-3 4-8-4 DCC Ready, UP #844 HO Scale

Description

ATHG88313Athearn GenesisHO Scale4-8-4 Steam#844 Union PacificFEF-3 150th Golden Spike Anniversary limited edition.DCC Ready#844Oil BurnerDouble StackSmoke LiftersEra 2017+. High-Shine Black “Race to Promontory” versionas used in tandem with Big Boy 4014 on May 42019as well as excursion service.Comes in a beautiful limited-edition box with special graphics.STEAM LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:Illuminated number boardsMetal handrailsBuilder’s platesAdjustable cab windowsNon-operating classification lightsBlackened metal wheelsOil burnerAccurate oil tender detailsFeedwater heater per prototypeATS cabinet per prototypeSwing coupler pocketDouble or triple smokestack per prototypeSingle or double generator per prototypeSide rods colored to match the prototypeIlluminated red signal light except on 2016 version of #844Boiler backhead with full details and printed gaugesSynchronized chuff, whistle, bell, blow-down, air compressor, dyno and pop-off valve soundsUser-controlled whistle, short whistle, bell, squeal, coupler crash, injector, water stop and light dimmerIndividually-applied detail parts, including brass-painted bell and whistle, piping, valves, generator, steps, air pump, air tanks, reverser and coupler lift barFront coupler pocket can be inserted to mount operating couplerMinimum radius: 22″NEW FEATURES:Dual cube speakers for great sound qualityLighted firebox flicker effect with see-through firebox doorUpgraded headlight lighting with brighter LEDImproved loco-to-tender connection harness for increased durability and serviceabilityPROTOTYPE SPECIFIC INFORMATIONIn 1939, 15 FEF-2 class 4-8-4s, numbers 820 through 834, were acquired. They shared a family resemblance to the big Challengers and Big Boys. The FEF-2s were built as coal burners with single exhaust stacks, drop coupler pilots and “centipede” tenders that carried 25 tons of coal and 23,500 gallons of water. When they were rebuilt, they received double or triple exhaust stacks.During the traffic crunch of World War II, ten more 4-8-4s of class FEF-3, numbers 835 through 844, were acquired. The FEF-3 boiler was slightly longer than the FEF-2; plus, the FEF-3 featured double exhaust stacks, cast pilots and cabinets on the tender. Within six months of delivery, they were fitted with “elephant ear” smoke deflectors. Several FEF-3s also received triple exhaust stacks.All of the 4-8-4s were converted to burn oil after the Second World War. They also wore two-tone gray paint from April 1946 until the mid-1950s. While UP streamliners were all diesel powered, the FEFs worked the secondary trains such as the Pony Express and Overland as well as mail trains. At the time, those trains were usually quite long and consisted of heavyweight cars, requiring all of the power the FEFs could deliver.Instead of retiring FEF-3 844 in the early 1960s, UP kept it for excursion service and renumbered it to 8444 to allow GP30 844 into the system by 1962. From the mid-1950s until 1987, FEF-3 8444 was painted in the black paint scheme. In September 1987, it was repainted into the two-tone gray scheme with yellow stripe and lettering. After returning to Cheyenne from the Los Angeles Union Station 50th Anniversary celebration in June 1989, FEF-3 8444 was renumbered back to 844. The two-tone gray paint lasted until September 1991.