The Hudson came into being because the existing 4-6-2 Pacific power was not able to keep up with the demands of longer, heavier trains and higher speeds. Given NYC's axle load limits, Pacific could not be made any larger; a new locomotive type would be required to carry the larger boilers. Lima Locomotive Works' conception of superpower steam as realized in the 2-8-4 Berkshire type was the predecessor to the Hudson. The 2-8-4's 4-wheel trailing truck permitted a huge firebox
to be located after the boiler. The resulting greater steaming rate
ensured that such a locomotive would never run out of power at speed, a
common failing of older locomotives. Applying the ideas of the
freight-minded Berkshire type to the Pacific resulted in a 4-6-4 locomotive.
NYC ordered prototype No. 5200 from Alco, and subjected it to intensive testing. A fleet of 205 J-1 class Hudsons were eventually built, including 30 each for the Michigan Central Railroad (MC road numbers 8200-8229) and the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway (“Big Four” - road numbers 6600-6629). In addition, NYC subsidiary Boston & Albany Railroad
ordered 20 J-2 class (B&A road numbers 600-619), the latter 10 from
Lima Locomotive Works (all other NYC Hudsons were built by Alco’s
Schenectady works).[1] A later development were 50 J-3a class Super Hudsons
in 1937–1938, with many modern appliances and innovations. After the
MC, Big 4, and B&A locomotives were incorporated into the NYC
numbering, the NYC Hudson locomotives had road numbers ranging from 5200
to 5474. The NYC J-1 road numbers were 5200-5344, the MC J-1s became
NYC 5345-5374, the Big 4 J-1s became NYC 5375-5404, the J-2s (all from
B&A) became NYC road numbers 5455-5474, and the J-3 road numbers
were 5405-5454. The J-2 numbers are last because they were transferred
to the NYC after the J-3 deliveries.
Features:
- DCC Econami sound equipped
- Dual-mode NMRA-compliant decoder
- Precision motor
- Authentic Boxpok-style drivers
- Operating headlight and tender backup light
- Completely hidden drive train
- Gear drive
- Separate detail parts, including bell, whistle, pop valves, and handrails
- E-Z Mate Mark II couplers, front and rear
- Extra front dummy coupler in down position
- Die-cast chassis
- Metal driver axle bearings
- Performs best on 11.25" radius curves or greater
- Comes in four versions
- As delivered, Roman lettering, #s 5420/5426
- As later, Gothic lettering, #s 5405/5445
Comes in two versions and four road numbers -
You must select!
MSRP $439.00 NYCSHS member price is $351.20 and that is 20% off MSRP.
Expected delivery late Fall 2020
Shipping is extra and Ohio residents must add 8% Ohio sales tax.
Expected Production Late Fall 2020
Posted 8/10/20
