According to the men who knew and operated them, the N&W class A’s were the "finest steam engines ever built." Four groups were erected between 1936 and 1950, with some improvements in each group - our models will be patterned after the group of 25 locomotives, which were built in 1943 & 1944. The group was numbered from #1210 to #1234 and #1218 is the lone survivor.

Expected Spring 2003, our HO Scale models will feature the fine quality and craftsmanship that have become the hallmark of recent releases, and beyond the good looks and operating characteristics, our class A’s will also feature "sound", that can be operated from a standard DC power pack as well as from a NMRA compatible DCC controller, and it will include an integral decoder.

In both modes of operation, it has a full range of sounds, including driver synchronous chuff, whistle, bell, water sounds. In neutral, while the locomotive stands still with some power on the rails, you can hear air pumps, blow down, pop off & injector sounds. Coming to a stop, the brakes will squeal just like the real thing.

Mechanically, a 5-pole can motor with flywheel provides the power to both engines, connected by universals, and the headlights are the constant intensity type with directional control. The model is designed to negotiate 18" radius curves, so it will be right at home even on small layouts, though the boiler overhang may require extra clearance on adjacent tracks.

Constructed of mostly injection molded, highly detailed parts with many details added, it also has a die-cast chassis and tender floor, plus enough weight to pull a long string of freight cars or passenger cars - just like their prototype.

The factory installed Quantum sound system with dual speakers will feature the following:
• Articulated Engine Sounds
• Synchronized Chuff
• Authentic Class A Whistle
• Authentic Class A Bell
• Squealing brakes
• Doppler effect
• Steam Dynamo (Sound of steam electric generator (dynamo) when lights turn on. Includes gradual headlight turn-on effect as dynamo speeds up.)
• Sound of Power (change in chuff sounds with differing loads for more realism)
• Coupler Crash
• Air let off (in neutral)
• Air pumps (in neutral)
• Numerous Water sounds (in neutral - blow down, pop off & injector)
• Blower hiss
• Headlight (dim head light in neutral)
• Slave (mutes whistle and bell for double heading)

Mechanical features will include:
• Powerful 5-pole can motor with flywheel
• Die-cast locomotive chassis
• Die-cast tender chassis
• Detailed tender underbody
• Plated bell & whistle
• Deck plate from cab to tender
• Prototypical Swing Out Scale Coupler
• Provision for Double-heading with Replaceable Coupler
• Seutheฎ Smoke Unit compatible
• Many exceptional prototypical added-on details like piping and appliances
• Prototypical cab interior, including backhead, etc.
• Operating headlight
• Directional backup light
• Firebox Glow
• Illuminated Headlight Number Board
• Constant speed control - keeps speed constant up or down hill, etc.
• Authentic paint scheme and correct locomotive numbers
• Magnetic knuckle coupler on tender
• RP-25 contour on drivers and wheels
• Will operate on Code 70, 83 and 100 rail
•Minimum 22" Radius recommended for best results