Rivarossi HR2952, HO 2-6-6-6 Allegheny, Std DC, Chesapeake & Ohio #1653

Model Features:

• All New Road Numbers


• Smooth paint, sharp letting and many fine, separately-added details


• Directional Lighting with operating back-up light


• Steel wire handrails


• Knuckle style couplers


• PR25 contour metal wheels on all axles


• 5-pole motor with flywheel


• Powered front and rear driver sets


• Electrical pick-ups on the locomotive and tender wheels


• DCC ready with 21-pin DCC socket


• Minimum 22 inch radius recommended

Prototype Overview:

The 2-6-6-6 is an articulated locomotive type with two leading wheels, two sets of six driving wheels and six trailing wheels. Only two classes of the 2-6-6-6 type were built. One was the "Allegheny" class, built by the Lima Locomotive Works. The name comes from the locomotive's first service with the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway beginning in 1941.

The C&O Allegheny is widely regarded as the most powerful steam locomotive type ever built in terms of drawbar horsepower.  Designed and built by Chesapeake & Ohio and Lima, the nearby Virginian would also roster a small fleet based from the C&O's design. The articulated locomotive was of the 2-6-6-6 wheel arrangement and based purely on horsepower and tractive effort nothing could top it.  The engine's boiler was capable of creating an incredible 8,000 horsepower.

Ultimately, Lima produced 60 Alleghenies for C&O between 1941-1948 while the nearby Virginian would acquire 8 examples of similar design. Despite their formidable strength and endurance, the reign of the Alleghenies was short-lived. The advancement of diesel-electric technology in the 1950s, which were cheaper to run and maintain, provided greater flexibility, signaling the end of steam locomotive production in America.  By 1956, all Alleghenies were retired from service and Virginian's eight Blue Ridge examples had been scrapped by 1960.