Kato #106-085 Union Pacific Water Tender 2-Car Set

Prototype Information: The Union Pacific FEF (Four Eight Four), along with the GS-4 [ http://www.katousa.com/N/GS-4/index.html ] is easily one of the most recognizable US steam prototypes still in operation today. The FEF-3 series of steam locomotives was delivered in 1944 and were the last, and some of the largest, steam locomotives delivered for use by the Union Pacific. Operated solely by the Union Pacific, the FEF’s (sometimes referred to as “Northerns”, due to the NP’s being the first to build steam locomotives with the 4-8-4 wheel arrangement) were intended primarily to be passenger locomotives but the UP’s large fleet of available diesels meant that the FEF’s were put to work in secondary passenger and fast freight service. Today, FEF-3 #844 (at some times during history also known as #8444 to avoid numbering conflictions with a diesel loco) survives to pull excursion trains [ http://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/steam/index.shtml ] as a publicity locomotive for the Union Pacific, and is one the UP’s oldest operating locmotives. Accompanying the “living legend” FEF-3 is always at least one of a pair of Union Pacific Water Tenders, carrying spare water for the steam engine (Water filling stations being a rarity in the diesel era). These unique re-built cars have seen service as both Steam and Gas Turbine Electric fuel tenders before finally settling into their current forms as part of UP’s steam heritage fleet where they operate as separate (but always-present) cars. Model Information: The Water Tenders will be an all-new design and will be sold as a two-pack for modelers to supplement their FEF-3 or other UP steam locomotives. Just like the prototype models, the two tenders are not identical, having (in addition to one car having an externally mounted American Flag plate) different weld mark details which will be replicated on the models of the two cars, ensuring that their unique spirit is preserved when translated into model form. Model Features: – FEF-3: The FEF tender does not have operational lights, but lighting kits are available for the special Water Tender cars (sold separately) – Water Tenders: Can be upgraded with an optional light board to illuminate marker lights in either direction (sold separately) – Water Tenders: The separate “Flag” plate will be prototypically applied to the Jim Adams Car. – 11″ (282mm) Minimum turning radius – All detail parts installed