Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam Van Sweringen Berkshire 2-8-4 - Powered -- Nickel Plate Road #717

These large, modern, distinctive-looking engines were known for their ability to handle heavy freights on fast schedules. Born out of a need to develop a new model with improvements in speed and horsepower over W.W.I-era USRA 2-8-2 locomotives then in use, these advanced locomotives incorporated a larger firebox that required the support of a four-wheel trailing truck. A 2-8-2-turned-2-8-4, modified by a Lima Locomotive Works design engineer, tested on the Boston & Albany in 1925 and demonstrated an impressive increase in power over the rolling mainline through the Berkshire Hills. The wheel arrangement was quickly dubbed the "Berkshire." Over the next few years Lima improved the design and, acting on the specifications of the "Advisory Mechanical Committee" of the railroads controlled by the Van Sweringens, constructed 2-8-4s with 69" drivers for high-speed freight service. These impressive machines were ordered by the Nickel Plate Road, Pere Marquette and Chesapeak