IHC Premier M9905 Chicago & Alton P-16A 4-6-2 Pacific Locomotive #5299

The Alton Limited (later known as simply the Limited) was the Chicago & Alton Railway's (C&A) flagship service between Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. It was introduced in 1899, and reequipped in 1905, and in 1924. The name and service was ultimately discontinued in late 1971. Starting in 1903, its motive power was a series of 4-6-2 (Pacific) steam locomotives.

By 1905, it provided regular, daily service with six new cars strikingly decorated in three shades of maroon, with gold stenciling, which led to the nickname, "The Red Train." The six-car consist included a RPO car, a combine car, a coach, a diner, and two Pullman parlor cars, one of which was the observation car. The cars were richly appointed, and the Alton Limited was advertised as "The Only Way" and as "The Most Beautiful Train In America!"

The last ten Brooks/ALCO class P-5 Pacific engines were delivered to the C&A in 1913 and underwent several modernizations and class re-designations over the next 40 years. Two six-car train sets were re-equipped in 1924 at a cost of a million dollars. The "Chicago" observation parlor car included a Japanese tea room and a library, and was 90' long. With its blended red color scheme, it was then billed, "The Handsomest Train In The World."

The lone member of class P-16A, No. 5299 (formerly Chicago & Alton No. 658), poses for photographer Walter A. Peters at an unknown location, probably in or near Springfield. This photo, from the Gary Thompson collection, was taken in the mid-1940s after modernization of the P-16s but probably before the GM&O takeover of the Alton Route. Note the unusual shape of the sand dome, a feature also found on some members of the P-16B class. The air pump shield on the pilot likewise contributes to the modernized appearance. No. 5299 was the first of the P-16s to be scrapped, meeting its demise in October 1947. Interestingly, or not, though the lone member of it's Class, #5299 appears to be the only C&A Alton 4-6-2 ever modeled.

FEATURES:

• Stunning C-9 Mint Condition with Excellent Original Box.
• Test Track run time only.
• MRRHQ Locomotive Works serviced, tested and certified.
• Upgraded with MRRHQ Custom Bridge Rectifier Controlled Always-On LED Operating Headlamp.
• Upgraded with MRRHQ Custom Directional LED Rear Tender Lighting.
• One-piece boilers, engine covers, cabs and tenders of pressure-cast high impact plastic.
• Steel main and side rods, guides, hand rails, fittings and coupler lift bars.
• Real brass bell.
• Many additional fine details.
• Powerful state-of-the-art can motor w/flywheel.
• Scale 77" Drivers.
• Easy rolling steel needle point truck axles.
• Upgraded with working rear Kadee all-metal Knuckle Coupler.
• Optional Upgrades Available:
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX 852204 Standard DCC Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder Installed.
  • SOUNDTRAXX TSU1100 Digital DCC/Sound Decoder w/810160 Keep Alive Installed.
  • Engineer Figure Installed in Cab.
• Made in Slovenia by Mehano. Production Year 1994.

HO Scale 1:87

Dimensions: Locomotive 7 x 1 3/8 x 2" Tender 4 3/4 x 1 3/8 x 2"