The Pennsylvania Railroad G5 class was developed during the 1920s to meet the railroad’s growing demand for commuter passenger service.

Prototype Background

Designed by Mechanical Engineer William F. Kiesel Jr. and constructed at the PRR’s Juniata Shops in Altoona, Pennsylvania, the G5 combined a modified E6s Atlantic boiler with a rugged 4-6-0 wheel arrangement tailored specifically for commuter operations.

Unlike many passenger locomotives of the era that emphasized sustained high-speed performance, the G5 was designed for quick acceleration and heavy pulling power. Its smaller driving wheels and lack of a trailing truck placed more weight on the drivers, resulting in approximately 41,000 pounds of tractive effort. This made the G5 one of the most powerful Ten-Wheelers ever built and ideally suited for trains making frequent station stops.

Between 1923 and 1929, a total of 121 G5 locomotives were constructed, including 90 for the Pennsylvania Railroad and 31 for its subsidiary, the Long Island Rail Road. Their combination of power, reliability, and responsive acceleration quickly earned them a reputation as outstanding commuter locomotives. For more than three decades, G5s locomotives were a familiar sight across the Northeast, handling commuter trains with ease.

The G5 remained in service well into the 1950s and continues to be highly regarded by railroad historians and enthusiasts today. Its close association with both the Pennsylvania Railroad and Long Island Rail Road, combined with its distinctive role in commuter railroading history, has made it one of the most sought-after steam locomotive prototypes among model railroaders.

This Production Run

For Broadway Limited Imports inaugural production run, BLI is offering eight versions of this iconic locomotive, including three locomotives in their pre-1940 appearance, three locomotives in their post-1940 appearance, and two Long Island Rail Road locomotives in their post-1940 configuration. Each version has been carefully researched and incorporates details appropriate to the era represented.

Models will be available equipped with Broadway Limited Imports Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system featuring synchronized puffing smoke, as well as in their Stealth DCC-Ready series. Stealth models include a factory-installed speaker and a 21-pin decoder interface, making it easy to install the aftermarket decoder of your choice.

Industry-Leading Model Features:

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System
• Synchronized Puffing Smoke with Chuff Sound
• Variable Puffing Smoke Intensity and timing
• Integral DCC Decoder with Back EMF for Industry Best Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
• Precision Drive Mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
• 5-Pole Can Motor with Skew Wound Armature
• Heavy Die Cast Boiler, Tender Body, and Chassis for Increased Tractive Effort
• Premium Caliber Painting with Authentic Paint Scheme
• Prototypical Light Operation with Separately Controllable Headlight, Reverse Light, Cab Light, Front Marker Lights, Rear Marker Lights
• Factory-installed Engineer and Fireman Figures
• Optional Operating Front Coupler Included in Box
• Prototypically Accurate Details for Each Road Number
• Two tender variations – Accurate for pre-war and post-war details
• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Ladders, Piping, Cab Glass, Whistle, Brass Bell, Markers, Air Tanks, and Many Others
• Equipped with Rubber Traction Tires for Increased Pulling Power
• Recommended Minimum Radius: 18 inches
• Accurate Prototypical Sounds for the PRR G5 Locomotives

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