O BTO C&O LEGACY H7 2-8-8-2 #1553

Chesapeake & Ohio LEGACY H7 2-8-8-2 #1553 Vandy Tender

In need of larger power but strapped with smaller tunnels, the Chesapeake and Ohio ordered a relatively novel group of 25 simple-expansion 2-8-8-2 locomotives from Alco in 1923. Compound Mallet locomotives, which used steam exhausted from the first pair of pistons to power a second, were nothing new on the C&O or elsewhere. But using steam directly from the boiler to power all four pistons had only been tried a few times – and not on a production locomotive. The single expansion offered more power and reduced the size of the large pistons needed in a Mallet. But it also required a larger boiler to produce enough steam for what was essentially, two steam locomotives. Keeping this within tight clearances lead to the locomotives’ other distinctive feature – a smokebox crowded with appliances like air pumps, feedwater heater and even the bell which couldn’t fit anywhere else and make it through a tunnel intact. It became a C&O standard on many locomotives for years to come. Although Alco called them “Chesapeakes,” crews knew them as “Simple Simons” and they were generally well liked. Baldwin delivered 20 more in 1926. One area the original H-7s had come up lacking was tender capacity. The new units arrived with 16,000 gallon Vanderbilt tenders to help quench the thirsty boilers. Later, even larger tenders were added to most units. But Simons’ rule on the mountain was cut short by the arrival of even larger 2-10-4 and 2-6-6-6 Alleghenies in the 1930s and 40s. In 1943, three were sold to the RF&P for service on Potomac Yard’s hump. Union Pacific picked up 30 in 1945. Some were rebuilt, others were retired retaining most of their C&O look. Those that remained on the C&O mostly found their way into hump yard service as well – sporting much smaller tenders again. After nearly a decade’s absence from our catalog, Lionel is bringing back the Simple Simons! Available in new road numbers, paint schemes and tender variations, this is also the first release of these locomotives with Bluetooth control, whistle steam and all of our latest LEGACY upgrades! In addition to multiple C&O variations depicting the class from 1926 to the 1950s as well as RF&P and Union Pacific, a Rio Grande version represents a different yet strikingly similar class on that mountain road.

Product Features:
LEGACY Control System equipped – able to run in LEGACY Control mode, in TrainMaster Command Control mode, or in Conventional mode with a standard transformer Bluetooth Control – Operate with Universal Remote or LionChief App Lionel Voice Control (LVC) – run your locomotive by speaking commands into your phone via LionChief App Odyssey II Speed Control IR Transmitter that works with LCS SensorTrack Whistle Steam Road-specific Details Powerful maintenance-free motor with momentum flywheel Wireless Tether connection between locomotive and tender ElectroCoupler on rear of tender Directional lighting including operating headlight and back-up light on rear of tender Bicolor illuminated classification lights on the front of locomotive where applicable. Using a Legacy controller, change the color of the classification lights between white or green Traction tires Interior illumination in cab Die-cast metal locomotive body, pilot, and trucks Die-cast metal tender body and trucks High level of separately applied metal details Separately applied builder’s plate Synchronized fan-driven smoke unit Adjustable smoke output Authentically detailed cab interior Cab “glass” windows Engineer and fireman figures LEGACY RailSounds sound system featuring: CrewTalk dialog with different scenarios depending on whether the locomotive is in motion or stopped TrainSounds that mimic operating dialog when the locomotive is in motion or stopped Six official railroad speeds with CrewTalk dialog DynaChuff synchronized with 32 levels of intensity as the locomotive gains speed LEGACY “Real-Time Quilling Whistle” control with instant response for realistic signature “quilling” and correctly timed warning signals – 5 different whistles to choose from for a more customized experience. Single hit or continuous mechanical bell sounds – 5 levels of bell pitching for customized sounds Sequence Control: plays the sound effects of an entire trip, including warning sounds and announcements, based on the movement and speed of the locomotive Current speed and fuel dialog, coal or oil loading sound effects

Minimum Curve O72

Length: 30”