Occasionally, a prototype is so heavily requested that we feel compelled to produce it, at least in part, out of sheer obligation to our faithful customers. The Milwaukee S-3 is one such prototype. Behind only the PRR H10s, the Milwaukee S-3 is our most requested steam locomotive and we are pleased to offer it to our enthusiastic Milwaukee modelers!

The S-3 is the culminating iteration of the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroads own 1930 S-1 Northern design. In 1937, Baldwin delivered 30 S-2s into service and in 1940 delivered another 10 S-2 locomotives. Finally, in 1943, 10 S-3 locomotives -- road numbers 260 -269 -- were delivered to assist in the wartime effort, this time from the ALCO.

A slightly leaner version of its elder brother the S-2, the S-3 weighs in at 460,000lbs with a tractive effort of 62,040lbs.

Having served only 10 years in its designed capacity, the North Star Rail decided in 1991 to restore the locomotive for mainline excursions.

The #261 S-3 is currently owned and maintained by Minneapolis-based Friends of the 261, which runs excursions seasonally. Since completion of its restoration in 1993, #261 has run over 25,000 miles under its own power!

Features:

• Paragon3 sound & operation system featuring Rolling Thunder with suthentic sounds and prototypical operation in both DC and DCC environments
• Factory installed engineer & fireman figures
• Synchronized puffing smoke with each chuff
• Variable puffing smoke Intensity and timing
• Locomotive composition: die cast body with die cast chassis
• Tender composition: ABS body with die cast chassis
• Couplers: (2) operating kadee or compatible
• Compatible tracks: Code 70, 83, 100 rail
• Equipped with traction tires
• Minimum operating radius: 22 in or greater