{"product_id":"mth-30-1314-1-o-erie-2-8-4-berkshire-steam-locomotive-tender-w-ps2-3386-ex","title":"MTH 30-1314-1 O Erie 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Locomotive \u0026 Tender w\/PS2 #3386 EX","description":"This is an MTH 30-1314-1 O Erie 2-8-4 Berkshire Steam Locomotive and Tender with Protosound 2.0 from 2004. In the 1920s, increased competition meant that railroads had to come up with new ways of doing business if they hoped to remain successful. Up to that time, most freight was moved by connecting as many cars as possible to a locomotive and having the steam engine heave and drag them along (called “drag freight“). Some railroads decided to compete more effectively by increasing the speed, not the capacity, of their freight trains. The Lima Locomotive Works‘ 2-8-4 Berkshire steamer, introduced in 1924 and named for the Massachusetts mountains where it was demonstrated, helped make this happen. The Berkshire was dubbed a Super Power engine because its larger firebox grate and other related elements (which necessitated the 4-wheel trailing truck) greatly increased the engine‘s steam-making capacity. And more steam capacity means more power and more speed. In all, 611 Berkshires were built for several railroads. They were a huge success and remained in service on U.S. rails until 1958, well into the diesel era. MTH is pleased to offer the RailKing Berkshire in five new road names: Nickel Plate, Erie, Pere Marquette, Jersey Central and New York Central. Did You Know? The first 2-8-4 was built with 63“ drivers, but railroads soon discovered that it had so much more steam capacity than previous freight engines it could power larger - and therefore faster - drivers, and subsequent models had 69“-70“ drivers. Cruising speeds averaged about 55 mph. Features include a precision flywheel equipped motor, a constant voltage headlight, a synchronized puffing proto smoke system, engineer and fireman figures and protosound 2.0 with the digital command system. Please see my photos for a full list of all the features of this item.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis item has been graded per TCA standards C-7: Excellent based on visual appearance. The wheels show average run-time. This item shows signs of previous use and storage. Both the locomotive and tender show a few light rub marks and signs of previous light use. The overall appearance of this item may be improved with a gentle and thorough cleaning. The instruction manual is not included. The original box is not included. Please check the photos for a detailed look at this item. 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 No\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer:\u003c\/strong\u003e MTH\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 30-1314-1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears Manufactured:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2004 - 2004\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRoad Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Erie (ERIE)\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 6393238. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 6px !important; color: #d3d3d3 !important; line-height: 8px !important;\"\u003eTrainz Product Id: 11411342\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"MTH","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44199419838586,"sku":"6393238","price":296.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1260\/4747\/files\/20260831-085505-C5-Trainz-6393238-01.jpg?v=1788294082","url":"https:\/\/www.trainz.com\/products\/mth-30-1314-1-o-erie-2-8-4-berkshire-steam-locomotive-tender-w-ps2-3386-ex","provider":"Trainz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}