Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44

I am now the proud owner of a Chicago and Northwestern Fairbanks-Morse H-10-44 switcher for use on any DC energized HO scale model railroad. The unit is fully equipped with cabin engineer and accurate sound including variable speed diesel engine, bell, squealing brakes, and horn. Wikipedia describes the specs and history of this venerable rail slave as follows:

"The FM H-10-44 was a yard switcher produced by Fairbanks-Morse from August, 1944–March, 1950. The units featured a 1,000-horsepower (750 kW), six-cylinder opposed piston engine prime mover, and were configured in a B-B wheel arrangement mounted atop a pair of two-axle AAR Type-A switcher trucks, with all axles powered. Many H-10-44s received aftermarket modifications that increased their horsepower rating to 1,200 hp (890 kW). The Raymond Loewy-designed car body featured a slanted nose, sloping hood lines, and (considered to be its most distinguishing feature) a protruding roof visor mounted on the rear of the cab. These styling cues were carried through to the H-10-44's successor, the FM H-12-44, until September 1952 when the exterior design was "spartanized" to reduce production costs. A total of 195 units were built for American railroads. Three intact examples of the H-10-44 are known to survive today, all of which are owned by railroad museums. Most notable of these is Milwaukee Road #760 (originally delivered as #1802), the first Fairbanks–Morse locomotive constructed in their own plant, which is preserved and on display at the Illinois Railway Museum."

This locomotive will allow for a light consist of freight or passenger cars on short haul applications such as train assembly, industrial switching, or commuter runs. Manufacturing dates are compatible with the period of choice should I decide to construct a Chicago based rail yard in the future and run steam equipment as well. Until such time this switcher will run on a rail club landscape proudly hauling post-war lumber, coal, chemicals, and fictitious passengers to help move a growing nation into the future!