Steam Generator Car

VIA Rail  15461

Generates

For most of the 20th century, passenger trains were heated by steam.

However, once diesel locomotives became widespread in the 1940s, there was more often than not no longer a guaranteed source of steam at the head end.

To solve this problem, railroads developed Steam Generator Units or SGUs (also known as Steam Gennies or Steam Heater Cars) to create steam for on-board heat. In Canada as well as central and northern US states Steam Gennies were usually used between September and May, or all year round in the far north.

In the summer, they would be stored on a track in the coach yard or engine terminal.

Based on a General Motors prototype built for Canadian National in the 1950s, the Super Continental Line "Oh, So Steamy!" Steam Generator Car actually generates a steam effect for your passenger trains.

Hook it up behind your locomotive, turn on the steam, ease the throttle, and watch as steam wisps out from underneath your passenger cars, just like the real thing.

How does it work?

By a new application of very old technology.

Each car has a small burner inside which heats up the steam fluid (a type of baby oil), creating faux "steam.”

A small interior fan blows the steam through a hose and out the bottom of the Steam Genny.

As the train moves, the steam lingers on the track and looks as if it is coming out of the steam valves on the passenger cars.

The steam is non-toxic and the fluid can be refilled through the car's roof hatch.

Better yet, the steam actually cleans your track while the Steam Genny is running, and – unlike smoke-equipped steam engines – the steam fluid will not leave a residue on your scenery, rolling stock and structures.

Most importantly: not only can you use your Rapido Lighter to operate the working backup lights, you can also use it to turn the steam on and off!

• Real "steam" effect which can be turned on and off by magnetic wand
• Operating backup lights, which can be turned on and off by magnetic wand
• Works on DC and DCC layouts
• Full underbody detail, including ALL steam and air lines
• See-through etched metal platforms
• Separate, metal brake chain
• Accurate BX express trucks
• Reliable electrical pickup
• Separate metal grab irons painted and applied at the factory
• A must for any railroad that operated passenger trains in cold weather

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