Beautifully Detailed, Accurately Modeled Gas Rail Car
Authentic Design, Paint and Color Schemes
Authentic Sounds Including Engine Gurgle with Gear Shifting and Dual Horn Sounds) and Prototypical Operation
Many Separately Applied Details Including Brass Bell
Operating Cab-roof Vents
Constant Intensity Directional Lighting
Interior Lighting
Factory Installed Painted Fireman and Engineer Figures
Composition: ABS
Locomotive Length: 10.96"
Weight: 15.6 oz
Motor Type: 5-Pole Can with Skewed Armature & Fly Wheel
Compatible Tracks: HO
Recommended Minimum Radius: 18"
"DCC & Sound Upgradeable"? Units denoted as DCC & Sound Upgradeable are units that are not sound equipped and function only in DC. Modelers may choose to purchase an optional Sound & DCC upgrade kit, specifically tailored to the prototype which will add DCC and sound functionality. Upgrade kit works only for PCM models with PCM motherboards.
In 1890-1892, Otto Mears founded the Rio Grande Southern Railroad running from Ridgeway to Durango, Colorado. The rail was a three-foot, narrow-gauge track line running 162 miles through the most rugged parts of the Colorado Mountains. Depressed economic conditions in 1930 had its affect on the RGS, which had been declining for years. As a result, the RGS filed for bankruptcy. Fortunately, they received a contract from the United States Postal Service and saw an opportunity for small passenger traffic. The railroad decided to use automotive-based rail buses instead of locomotives, passenger and freight cars. These unusual vehicles became known as the famous "Galloping Geese".
These units were the salvation of the RGS as they galloped through the San Juan's carrying passengers, freight and the lucrative U.S. Mail. This allowed them to continue for the next 20 years until the Rio Grande Southern finally abandoned its rail line forever in 1952.
Goose number 1 did not survive but Geese 2 through 7 all survive today. Units one and two were based on the "Buick" design. Units three through seven were based on the "Pierce-Arrow" design. It might be said that these railcars exist today due to the Goose's excellent service allowing the RGS to economically survive. Also, the naturalistic grandeur of the rail line offers its sightseeing passengers some of the best scenery America has to offer. Needless to say, the Geese have fans and devoted followers from all over the world.
Perhaps the most unique piece of railroad history, the Galloping Goose will be a central character in any model railroad setting. Put a Goose on your layout and listen for the excitement and conversation to begin. Kids, tomorrow's railroaders, luv ?em!
