Arnold HIN9079HM DR BR18 314 Steam Locomotive III (DCC-Sound) TT Gauge

DR BR18 314 Steam Locomotive III (DCC-Sound) 1:120 scale model produced by Arnold. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection. Features: DCC Sound Model Best suited to Epoch III Model Railways Decorated in DR company markings Best suited to 310mm radius curves Flywheel Fitted Close Coupler Details The DR 18 201 is a one-off German express steam locomotive created in 1960–61 at the Reichsbahn repair works in Meiningen by rebuilding earlier locomotives and parts into a powerful high-speed design. It was assembled using components from the streamlined Henschel-Wegmann locomotive 61 002, the tender of locomotive 44 468, elements of the experimental H 45 024, and a new boiler, producing a unique Pacific-type engine with a 2-C-1 (4-6-2) wheel arrangement. At its heart are three cylinders, large 2.30 m driving wheels, and a streamlined profile that combined old and new steam engineering techniques. Designed in part to test passenger coaches at high speed and to serve in express service, the 18 201 was initially oil-fired from 1967 and later numbered 02 0201-0 under the Deutsche Reichsbahn’s computerised system. In 1972 it recorded a top speed of 182.4 km/h (113.3 mph), making it the fastest operational steam locomotive in the world and a record-setter among Pacific-type engines. Today it remains the world’s fastest verified operational steam design, and it also holds the distinction of having some of the largest driving wheels ever fitted to a 4-6-2 locomotive. After regular and test use into the 1970s, the 18 201 became a heritage and special train locomotive from 1980 onward, often hauling nostalgic services with an auxiliary tender for long runs. It has worn its traditional green livery, and at times a special red scheme sponsored by a model manufacturer, and it has been preserved under the care of heritage operators. Its mix of cutting-edge performance and classic steam form makes the DR 18 201 a compelling prototype for large scale and mainline steam era model layouts.