Shopping Cart
The 2-8-0 Consolidation is one of the defining archetypes of late 19th-century American steam, and Athearn brings it to HO scale as Union Pacific #241 in its Old Time range. The model runs straight out of the box on analogue DC, but comes fitted with a 21-pin NEM socket that allows a DCC decoder with or without sound to be added without any destructive work on the chassis.
Built for traction
The die-cast metal chassis provides the weight needed for stable electrical pickup and a pulling force consistent with the locomotive's size. The 5-pole motor with precision-turned flywheels delivers smooth running at both low speeds and more demanding stretches of track. Blackened metal wheels with RP25 profile and McHenry® magnetic knuckle couplers complete a solid mechanical foundation for regular layout use.
Hand-applied Old Time details
Athearn has paid close attention to the period look, with a bell mounted directly on the boiler, a detailed smokestack, hand-applied wire piping and clear cab windows. The headlight features constant bi-directional LED lighting with no variation in intensity based on speed. These are the elements that give visual coherence to a locomotive designed to represent American steam in its golden era.
Layout fit and consist building
With a minimum radius of 18 inches (45.7 cm) and a recommended radius of 22 inches (55.9 cm), the UP #241 needs a layout with a reasonable sweep to run naturally. At the head of a period freight consist, the distinctive 2-8-0 silhouette long boiler and eight driving wheels gives the train a recognisable, well-balanced visual presence. It also works as a display piece for anyone wanting to represent late 19th-century American railroading without the immediate need to go digital.