Proto 2000 Series Life-Like 8369 FA2 Locomotive HO Scale Trains MP #353

Proto 2000 Series 8369 FA2 Locomotive HO Scale Trains MP #353.

Exceptional Exterior Detail:
Micro-molded lift rings, rear manifold piping, body mesh with visible internal "A" bracing, handrails, steps, exhaust fan grille, windshield wipers, AAR Type B trucks with finely molded side frame details. laser printed roadnames and decoration.

Functional Components:
Motor driven operating exhaust fan, functional end door and diaphragm, movable radiator shutters, illuminated number boards, constant lightning, "close coupling" unit to unit drawboards, and universal coupler pockets.

Superior Mechanism:
The powerful, record-breaking PROTO 2000 motor features 5 pole skew wound armature, dual flywheels and bronze oilless bearings, all wheel drive and electrical pickup, RP25 contour wheels.

In November 1950. ALCO design engineers introduced the FA2, a new dual0pyrpose locomotive they hoped would overtake the EMD FT, the acknowledged leader in the road freight market.

The FA2 was distinctively different in appearance from the competition. Its rugged, boxy shape with unique front end radius and distinctive headlight grillwork was designed to portray efficiency, power and speed. the FA2 also boasted of increased tractive force and horsepower.

The FA design represented dual-service capability, a significant improvement over the FA1. The car body length was increased by two feet to accommodate the addition of optional steam generator equipment. This was accomplished by internal rearrangement of the radiator, fan, oil cooler, oil filter tank and rear traction motor blower. Batteries and air reservoirs were also moved inside to allow larger fuel and water tanks.

Despite disappointing sales compared to those of EMD F units, the FA2 helped secure for ALCO second place in the freight cab market. Major U.S. railroads which purchased the FA2 included: Ann Arbor (AA). Baltimore & Ohio (B&O), Chicago & Northwestern (C&NW), Great Northern (GN), Lehigh Valley (LV), Louisville & Nashville (L&N), Missouri Kansas Texas (MKT). Missouri pacific (MOPAC). New York Central (NYC), Pennsylvania (PRR), Seattle Portland & Spokane (SP&S), and Western Maryland (WM). Second hand owners included Wabash and Long Island among others. Foreign sales also placed the units in Canada, Mexico, Cube and Pakistan.