Class 3460 4-6-4 Hudson - Sound and DCC - Paragon4™ -- Santa Fe #3463 (2025 Appearance, black, silver)

This Broadway Limited Paragon4(TM) HO Scale Class 3460 4-6-4 Hudson is based on the small but mighty fleet of six 4-6-4 steam locomotives built for Santa Fe in 1937 by the Baldwin Locomotive Works. These powerful engines were assigned to high-speed passenger service on the Santa Fe's transcontinental route between Chicago, Illinois, and La Junta, Colorado. One of the most remarkable achievements in steam railroading came in December 1937, when locomotive #3461 set a world record for the longest non-stop run by a steam engine - traveling an astonishing 2,227 miles from Los Angeles to Chicago with no maintenance beyond five refueling stops. It was assigned to the Fast Mail Express, showcasing both the reliability and endurance of this class.
 
By the end of 1956, all but one of the 3460s were scrapped. Fortunately, locomotive #3463 was preserved and remains on display in Topeka, Kansas. Efforts are currently underway by volunteers from the nonprofit Kaw Valley Rail Heritage Conservancy to restore the locomotive, with the hope of relocating it to a new site in Topeka in the future. The Paragon4 Series models feature Paragon4 sound and DCC, user-adjustable smoke rate, and integral GoPack capacitor for smooth operation during small losses of electrical contact. This model has wheels profiled to operate on Code 70 and larger rail and curves of 22" radius, but larger curves are recommended. The Class 3460 4-6-4 is part of the line of Broadway Limited HO Scale Paragon4 locomotives.