MTH ELECTRIC TRAINS

Often called "The Last Steam Railroad in America," the Norfolk & Western relied totally on steam power until well into the 1950s, when most other railroads had already converted to diesels. The N&W's loyalty to steam was prompted by two factors. The N&W was mainly a coal-hauling railroad with most of its trackage in Virginia, West Virginia, and Ohio, so fuel was abundant and cheap. Perhaps more important, the N&W built some of the best steam engines ever made, in its own shops in Roanoke, VA. Among the finest of these was the Class J, a streamlined greyhound that could cruise at well over 90 mph. One of these massive 4-8-4 Northerns survives today at the Virginia Museum of Transportation, not far from the shops where it was born.

Recreate the Norfolk & Western's daily conquest of the Appalachian Mountains with this rugged freight set. Headed by a powerful Class J Northern, this set features all-metal trucks and couplers, RealTrax that can be set up quickly on a carpet or floor, puffing smoke, and CD-quality sounds that include freight yard sound effects and the Class J's beautiful whistle, bell, and deep chuff.