NEW PIKO #97451 DRGW Rio Grande ML4000 Diesel Locomotive #4001 w/ DCC/SOUND

Features:

• RP25 wheels
• Silky-smooth & powerful PIKO Mechanism for great low-speeds and precise running
• Period-specific details
• PIKO knuckle couplers
• PIKO TrainSound® Decoder (on DCC/Sound versions)

A Little About The Prototype...

Krauss-Maffei of Germany worked closely with the Southern Pacific and the Denver & Rio Grande to develop a revolutionary new diesel-hydraulic locomotive. At the start of the 1960s, these beasts packed 4000 horsepower, a feat that would not be matched by American Diesel locomotive builders for many years. Typical American diesels of the time had only 2000 HP or less. The idea of replacing two locos with one in mainline service had great appeal. The hydraulic transmissions were an effort to eliminate the complexity and maintenance issues of electrical traction motors and all their related controls.

Three “Prototype” locos were delivered to SP in 1961 and three to D&RGW. These cab locos with their rounded noses and full carbodies looked very different than the slightly larger batch of “Series” hood locos later delivered to the SP. Upon delivery, both roads promptly put their KMs to work in the hardest possible service, with dynamometer cars often following to test every aspect. Performance was impressive, but teething problems quickly developed. German technicians sent over to the SP and D&RGW worked to address issues and train local maintenance crews. Over time, many modifications were made and reliability improved, but in the end, the locos may simply have been victims of a difference of cultures. Technology that was commonplace and successful in European railroads just did not mesh well with American railroad operation and maintenance practices. None of the six “Prototype” locos survived the decade, but they made an indelible mark with many thousands of fans.

We have added these to our website because these are such premium models we wanted our customers to have the ability to get them at a fair price!

Most Orders Ship Within 48 Hours

At BrassBasement.com, customer satisfaction is our top priority. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, we offer a 14-day return policy for a full refund, minus the shipping costs.

To initiate a return, contact us via email or phone with your order number and the reason for return. Please ensure that the item(s) are returned in their original, unused condition and packaging. We reserve the right to decline refunds if the return policy conditions are not met.

Return Process:

1. Items must be returned within 14 days of receipt.
2. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs. We recommend using a shipping method with tracking and insurance.

Shipping Policy: Please note that we will not ship items directly to model train service workers (e.g., for paint, repair, or any modifications). All models must be shipped directly to the buyer. This ensures that any issues with shipping or the model are resolved solely between the customer and Adam's Brass Basement LLC. We do not engage with third-party repair technicians regarding shipment issues.