MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS

In the 1920s, Southern Pacific rethought the standard approach to motive power; rather than changing engines at division points, they wanted to develop an engine for use on extended runs. Their famous 4-8-4 GS-series of locomotives resulted. 4-8-4 Northerns originated with the Northern Pacific railroad in 1926 and quickly became popular on other roads. The eight drivers allowed the engines to generate more power than engines with fewer driving wheels, and the four trailing wheels supported a larger firebox, increasing boiler capacity. This combination allowed 4-8-4s to best even larger 2-10-2-types by sustaining higher speeds over longer distances. Did You Know? The color scheme of the Southern Pacific was picked to reflect colors seen along California's coast - the vivid red-tinted sunset that lay over the Pacific Ocean and the vibrant orange fields of poppies.