Locomotives - Pennsylvania K-5

The Pennsylvania K-5 Pacific was introduced in the 1940 catalog in both DRC and standard remote control versions.  The DRC version was numbered 559 and was available in kit form.  The standard reverse version was numbered 561.

Set 4011

But sometimes parts would be interchanged.  This model is lettered 561, but it has a DRC mechanism and different boiler weights.  The slot in the boiler for the reverse locking lever (not used for DRC) is blocked by one of these weights.  In any case, it works well and reverses reliably.

In 1940 only, the same boiler was available with a four-drivered running gear at a reduced cost in starter sets.  This version runs very well, indeed faster, and is one of the better running engines in the prewar roster.  It was sold with a Chicago tinplate tender, evidently surplus production.

But a 558 tender makes an improvement, I think.  In O gauge, switching tenders is no problem.

Of course, there was never an S gauge version of the 545.