20471
Ballenberg Rack Steam Loco, 1067





Between 1910 and 1926, the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) built 17 of these fascinating HG 3/3 rack locos for the Brünigbahn and another four for the Berner Oberland-Bahnen. The rack mechanism runs in the opposite direction and faster than the faster than the wheel mechanism, creating an eye-catching effect. You can still see one of these locos today on the Ballenberg Dampfbahn.This LGB model is as intricate as the original, with a fully operational rack drive mechanism. Like all LGB rack locos, this model also can be used on regular track without racks.


The Prototype
The Brünigbahn runs from Lucerne across the Brünig Pass to Interlaken, where it connects to the Berner Oberland-Bahnen (BOB). Between 1910 and 1926, the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works (SLM) built seventeen HG 3/3 rack steam locomotives for the Brünigbahn, as well as four for the Berner Oberland-Bahnen. These locos hauled trains on the mixed rack and adhesion line. The Brünigbahn was converted to catenary operation in 1941, but the last five HG 3/3s were used as backups and for freight traffic until 1965.Today one of these fascinating locos can be examined at the Swiss Transportation Museum in Lucerne, while another is displayed at the Meiringen station. Loco No. 1067 has been restored and can be enjoyed on historic passenger trains on the Ballenberg Dampfbahn, a steam operated museum railway running from Interlaken Ost to Giswil. The rack mechanism of the HG 3/3 is powered by separate cylinders and gears, which rotate in the opposite direction and faster than the mechanism driving the wheels. The separate rack mechanism is turned off when the loco is on level tracks, allowing the loco to travel at higher speeds powered by adhesion alone.

The Model
This detailed model features:
- weather-resistant construction
- four-way power control switch
- protected gearbox with seven-pole Bühler motor
- working rack drive
- six powered wheels
- six power pickups
- smoke generator
- automatic directional lighting
- two multi-purpose sockets
- length: 330 mm (13.0 in.)
- weight: 3000 g (5.9 lb.)