October 21, 2025 - M.T.H. Electric Trains will be releasing the 2026 Premier S-2 4-8-4 Northern Steam Locomotive in FIVE different schemes next Spring. The locomotive will be available in extremely limited quantities and are expected to begin shipping to M.T.H. Authorized Retailers in April 2026. The locomotives can also be complemented with two different Premier Heavyweight Passenger car schemes coming from Atlas O next Spring. You can learn more about the Atlas cars by going HERE.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
PROTOTYPE HISTORY
The first 4-8-4 Northerns to appear on the Great Northern did so in 1929 after arriving from the Baldwin Locomotive works. Designated Class S, the locomotives were purchased by the Great Northern in two models, S-1 and S-2. Designated for fast passenger work, the S-1s featured 73" drivers but carried with them a reputation of being hard on the rails.
By 1930, Great Northern had received another 14 4-8-4s, this time designated as Class S-2. These locomotives utilized a radial stay firebox rather than the Belpaire variety found on the S-1. In addition, larger 80" drivers, the tallest of any Northern model, gave the S-2 fast speed ratings though she carried a reputation of being slippery when pulling a heavy train.
Designated for passenger service, the S-2, which pulled an all-welded vanderbilt tender, sported the classic cascade green livery of the Great Northern along with chrome plated cylinder covers and steam chest heads. The striking appearance made the locomotive the perfect choice for the Oriental Limited and Empire Builder passenger trains until the Northerns retirement in the mid 1950s. No. 2584 remains on display, in her cascade green livery, at the Havre, Montanna depot.
Check out each of the offerings in the scrolling list at the bottom of the page.
