PIKO #38152 North Pole Hauler GE 25-Ton Starter Set (G-Scale)

38152 North Pole Hauler Starter Set (G-Scale) 120V

This starter set comes with a loco and two cars, an R/C Controller (22V / 1.6A + 16V DC) with forward/reverse and speed and stop controls, pocket remote, power clamps, a full circle of outdoor/indoor track (R1 radius 600mm / 23.6"), track clips, and a safety-approved transformer (120v, 24V DC, 45 VA).

Features

• GE 25-Ton Diesel Electric locomotive with directional lights
• Locomotive with powerful 5-pole precision can-type motor with reliable gear drive on the front and rear axles.
• Numerous molded-on and factory-applied details on locomotives and cars
• Analog/DC track power set with R/C pocket remote controller
    -  controller includes Fixed DC Accessory Power
    -  R/C system has over 80' range
    -  8 Easily selectable channels
• Cab interior
• Locomotive with metal wheels, plus sliding pickup shoes for reliable electrical contact
• Cars with heavy-duty hard plastic wheels for long-term use, indoors or out.
• Hook and loop type couplers
• Crisp and clean lettering and logo designs
• Created with incredibly tough weather-resistant materials
• Minimum recommended radius: 600mm / 23.6”
• Made in Germany

The GE 25-Ton diesel locomotives are small, two-axle industrial diesel switching locomotives. They were procured by many railroads and shortlines in North America, starting before the Second World War, as American railroads began converting from steam to diesel power. General Electric started in 1938 with the construction of small diesel-electric locomotives. 

From this point on, these compact locomotives were used on both standard and narrow-gauge lines for local switching service and operation in industrial plants. All GE-built 25-Ton locomotives had a Cummins 150 hp diesel engine turning a generator, which powered a traction motor on a single axle. The other axle was connected via chain drive.

The locos were known for their excellent pulling power compared to their size and were popular with operating crews. The locomotives had a maximum speed of about 20 mph. Production lasted for decades with relatively little change, finally ending in 1974.

They were the best-selling small diesel locomotives in America, and many were exported to other markets. Over time, GE made various production modifications, and numerous further changes were made by railroad shop crews. Many are still in use today.