This is MTH 80-2101-1 HO FA1 A/B w/PS3, GN. Alco FA-1 A/B set with Proto-Sound 3.0, Great Northern. A unit number: 310A, B unit number: 310B. The American Locomotive Company, one of the nation’s premier steam locomotive builders, joined forces with Schenectady, New York neighbor General Electric to build the first standardized diesel-electric locomotives in the 1920s. But when the diesel revolution began in earnest after World War II, dependability problems with Alco’s model 244 prime mover doomed the company to forever playing second fiddle to industry leader EMD.

The brawny good looks of Alco’s FA and PA cab units, however, have endeared them to railfans and modelers for more than half a century. Designed to compete with EMD’s FT four axel freight locomotive, the FA-1 contained many of the same design elements but used a new 12-cylinder 244 engine. With its distinctive flatnose cab and ribbed grille enclosed headlight, the FA-2’s were considered by many rail fans to be more handsome and powerful looking then its F-3 and F-7 competitors. By pairing up with General Electric in the 1920’s Alco inevitably condemned itself to ride on the coattails of EMD’s F-series line.

Built by Alco and EMD in New York between 1946 and 1959, the FA-1 was designed primarily to haul freight, as they did not have the space at the rear of the engine compartment to accommodate a passenger-service steam generator. Externally as well as mechanically the FA-1, designed by Ray Patten, appeared very similar to the ALCO PA models built around the same time period. Distinguishable from the FA-2, the FA-1’s shutters were at the far end of the carboydy, this was later changed to accommodate the steam generator that would be placed behind the radiator.

M.T.H. is proud to present the HO FA-1 in the unmistakable colors of Great Northern, Baltimore & Ohio, Union Pacific, Pennsylvania and Lehigh Valley. These streamlined diesels will bring beauty and power to any HO layout. Each Alco FA-1 AB diesel set includes one twin-motored A unit and twin-motored B unit. The A unit has full directional lighting and both the A and B units feature 2 Scale Operating Kadee Compatible Coupler. Like all HO diesel locomotives, the set is equipped with the legendary power and performance of Proto-Sound 3.0.

Its key features are:
Directionally controlled headlights
Intricately detailed ABS bodies
1:87 scale proportions
Metal wheels and axles
One scale operating Kadee compatible coupler
One operating Kadee compatible remote controlled Proto-Coupler
Detailed truck sides, pilots and fuel tank
Powerful 12-volt 5-pole skew-wound precision flywheel equipped motor
Locomotive speed control in scale MPH increments
Lighted cab interior
Illuminated number boards
Lighted marker lights
Two engineer cab figures
Moveable spinning roof fan blades
On-board DCC receiver
Operates on Code 70, 83, & 100 rail curves
Proto-Sound 3.0 with The Digital Command System featuring: freight yard Proto-Effects
Unit measures: 14 x 1 3/8 x 2 1/16
Operates on 18 radius curves

Proto-Sound 3.0 equipped locomotives can be controlled in command mode with any DCC compliant command control system. While the user won’t have access to all of the incredible features of Proto-Sound 3.0, independent control over the locomotive is possible. This means you can continue to use your existing DCC controller to independently control your other DCC equipped locomotives in addition to your Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotive on the same track at the same time.

When using a DCC controller, the following Proto-Sound 3.0 locomotive features are accessible:
F0 Headlight
F1 Bell
F2 Horn
F3 Start-up/Shut-down
F4 PFA
F5 Lights (number board)
F6 Master volume
F7 Front coupler
F8 Rear coupler
F9 Forward signal
F10 Reverse signal
F11 Smoke on/off
F12 Smoke volume
F13 Grade crossing
F14 Coupler slack
F15 Extende

This item has been graded per TCA standards C-7: Excellent based on visual appearance. This item displays light scratches and paint imperfections across the body and underframe. The wheels show average run-time. The original boxes are included. The instruction manual is included. Please check the photos for a detailed look at this item. Overall condition is Excellent.

Condition: Excellent (C-7)
Operational Status: Functional
Original Box: Yes (P-6)

Manufacturer: MTH
Model Number: 80-2101-1
Road Name: Great Northern (GN)

Scale/Era: HO Scale
Model Type: Diesel Loco

The SKU for this item is 5904958.

Product Id: 11662403