Norfolk & Western Class 'A' Project Site

photo courtesty of the Jay Williams collection (10/1954)

We have been anticipating the production of the Class 'A' ever since we developed a profound admiration for the Norfolk & Western's engineering during the production of our Y6a and Y6b models. The Class 'A' is a natural progression for our Norfolk & Western series and it will not be the last addition to this series. Our Class 'A' will incorporate all of the features that Kohs & Company models have become known for and will offer the hobbyist/collector an exact 1:48 miniature replica of one of the finest prototype locomotives ever operated.

MODEL FEATURES

  • Twin Dallee Electronics Sound Systems (one for each engine) with Specially designed Speaker System
  • Twin Enhanced Pittman Ball-Bearing Motors
  • Real Glass Window Glazing Real Glass Window Glazing
  • Stainless Tires on All Wheel Sets
  • Nickel Silver Rods and Valve Gear
  • Constant Voltage Lighting System
  • Full Under-body Detail on Locomotive & Tender
  • Automatic directional lighting with manual override using the included control box which also controls the sound functions.  All features are DCC compatible
  • Equalized Sprung Suspension with Real Leaf Springs
  • 66 Ball-Bearing Units used throughout the model
  • Ball-Bearing Equipped Side & Main Rods
  • Ball-Bearing Equipped Custom Drive Mechanism
  • User Controlled Electronic Valve Gear on both Engines
  • Full Cab Detail: Wood Floor Grates, Brass Gauge Bezels with Lenses
  • Prototypical Operating Buffer between Loco & Tender
  • All Hatches and Compartments are Operational
  • Prototypically built running boards which are mounted on miniature brackets extending from the boiler jacket

MODEL VERSIONS

Although the majority of prototypes in the class were built prior to or during World War II, we have chosen to model the class as they appeared at the end of the war and later. Substantial internal and outward changes were made to all thirty-five locomotives built leading up to the wars end and were subsequently included in the production of the last eight locos ordered at the end of the decade. Many of the changes made which were critical to performance were not readily visible, alterations to the crown sheets, brake control equipment and driver bearings among them, but the change to a cast pilot and rebuilt tenders provided a more modern appearance for the entire class. This fine tuning of the existing thirty-five locos and incorporation of the new standards into the final new production yielded a class of locomotives which few could equal.

Deciding what versions of this prototype class to include in our project was complicated by the fact that there were very distinct differences between the locos in the production groups and there were three different tenders used with these locomotives. It was ultimately decided to offer eight versions as designated by the major characteristics listed below. In addition to these major characteristics, there will be minor variations within each version offered, items such as steam and signal lines, the inclusion of steam heat on some tender 'dog houses' and other detailing that is consistent with each prototype production order. An optional 'A' tank (auxiliary tender) will be offered and it will be a different variation than previously offered with our Norfolk & Western Y6b project.

You may view representative prototype photos of each version by clicking on 'Prototype Photo' where applicable. In addition, there are line drawings provided to illustrate the three tender styles and they may be viewed by clicking here.

Version #1: Road numbers 1200-1209 (excluding 1206), equipped with 'Multiple-bearing' crossheads, slab rods with friction bearings and an 'H' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #2: Road numbers 1210-1234 (excluding 1223), equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads, slab rods with friction bearings and a 'C' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #3: Road numbers 1235-1237, equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads, slab rods with friction bearings and an 'I' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #4: Road numbers 1238-1242, equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads, Timken roller-bearing rods and an 'I' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #5: (very limited production): Road number 1206, equipped with 'Multiple-bearing' crossheads, slab rods with friction bearings and a 'C' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #6: (very limited production): Road number 1223, equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads, slab rods with friction bearings and an 'H' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

Version #7: (very limited production): Road number 1239, equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads, Timken roller-bearing rods and an 'I' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks. An additional feature included on this version is a Westinghouse aftercooler mounted on the front pilot along with all related detailing.

Version #8: (very limited production): Road number 1205 'Oddball", equipped with 'Alligator' crossheads on the front engine, 'Multiple-bearing' crossheads on the rear engine, slab rods with friction bearings and an 'H' class tender running on Commonwealth trucks.

 

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