{"product_id":"mth-20-3101-1-o-virginian-2-8-8-8-2-triplex-steam-locomotive-tender-700-w-ps2-ex-box","title":"MTH 20-3101-1 O Virginian 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex Steam Locomotive \u0026 Tender #700 w PS2 EX\/Box","description":"Here is a MTH 20-3101-1 O Virginian 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex Steam Locomotive \u0026amp; Tender w\/PS2 #700. In 1914 the Erie Railroad accepted delivery of a gigantic Baldwin-built 2-8-8-8-2 Triplex steamer. The P1-class tipped the scales at 853,050 pounds, and the third set of eight drivers, placed under the tender, meant that 89 percent of that weight was available for adhesion. When the Erie saw plans for the Triplex, they thought it represented the perfect solution to their primary operating problem: hauling heavy freight over Susquehanna Hill, a route where a short, steep grade significantly reduced the capacity of most road steamers. The Triplex eliminated the need for additional pushers to help a load top the hill. The engine‘s articulation also meant that of the total driving wheelbase of 71‘ 6“, only 16‘ 6“ was rigid - ideal for the winding track over Susquehanna Hill. Best of all, because it distributed its weight over such a large number of wheels, it combined high tractive effort with moderate axle loads, which meant it ran well on reasonably light track. It was so successful on the Erie‘s tricky Susquehanna route that the railroad ordered two more Triplexes in 1916. The difficulty of maintaining full steam pressure combined with the cost of maintenance on what was essentially three engines in one led to the Triplex‘s retirement in 1927. This extraordinary O Gauge die-cast locomotive returns to the MTH lineup in 2003 in Virginian livery. The Virginian Railroad actually utilized a 2-8-8-8-4 version of the Triplex, however this beautifully detailed Premier model can still be the king of any working freight line. This item features diecast body construction, a motor, knuckle coupler, metal wheels and axles. Please see my pictures for additional features.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis item has been graded per TCA standards C-7: Excellent based on visual appearance. This item appears to have been run, and displays overall signs of very light previous use. There are nicks and scratches on the shell and chassis of this item. The wheels show signs of average run time. The overall appearance of this item may be improved with a gentle and thorough cleaning. The original paint is in great shape, and the unit displays excellent overall finish. The instruction manual is included. The original box and carton are included. Please check the photos for a detailed look at the item. Due to the date of manufacture, the buyer may need to replace the battery. Overall condition is Excellent.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent (\u003ca href=\"#\" title=\"C-7: All original: minute scratches and paint nicks; no rust or missing parts; no distortion of parts. Standards for all toy train related accessory items apply to the visual appearance of the item and do not consider the operating functionality of the equipment. Condition and Grading Standards are subjective, at best, and are intended to act as a guide.\"\u003eC-7\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperational Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"#\" title=\"The condition of this item leads us to believe it is fully functional.\"\u003eFunctional\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal Box:\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes (\u003ca href=\"#\" title=\"Light use and aging. Additional notations. May be missing contents.\"\u003eP-8\u003c\/a\u003e)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e MTH\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20-3101-1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears Manufactured:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2003 - 2003\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoad Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Virginian (VGN)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale\/Era:\u003c\/strong\u003e O Modern\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Steam Loco\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Trainz SKU for this item is 6179915. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 6px !important; color: #d3d3d3 !important; line-height: 8px !important;\"\u003eTrainz Product Id: 11408486\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"MTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44095665045626,"sku":"6179915","price":1484.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1260\/4747\/files\/U6179915-C0506192.jpg?v=1770066941","url":"https:\/\/www.trainz.com\/products\/mth-20-3101-1-o-virginian-2-8-8-8-2-triplex-steam-locomotive-tender-700-w-ps2-ex-box","provider":"Trainz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}