Review

The latest Proto N Heritage steam locomotive model from Walthers is based on one of the most successful switchers ever built, the USRA 0-8-0. The smooth-running model nicely follows the real locomotive, which was designed by the United States Railroad Administration during World War I. Although only 175 locomotives were built during this period, the design proved popular, and more than 1,100 additional engines were built to the design - operated by more than 50 railroads - into the 1950s.

This all-new model has a split-frame die-cast chassis with plastic boiler and cab superstructure and tender shell. The detailing is sharp, and separately added details include piping, handrails, air pump, headlight, bell and whistle. The paint and lettering are well done, including the extremely small numbers on the headlight number plates.

The model runs smoothly, and its slow-speed operation is good - especially by N-scale steam locomotive standards. The three-pole open-frame motor drives all axles; the rear driver set is equipped with rubber traction tires to increase pulling power, but an extra set of drivers is included for modelers who don't want this feature. An eight-pin DCC decoder socket is located in the tender, but space is very tight.

The tender and locomotive must be coupled together, with a wiring harness from the engine that presses into a socket on the tender and a tender-mounted drawbar that must be screwed into place under the locomotive