20520
ÖBB Diesel Loco, 2091-03





Narrow-gauge lines remain important in mountainous Austria, which still has more than 700 km (440 miles) of 760 mm gauge track. So while narrow-gauge diesel locos are a rarity elsewhere, you can still find them on Austria’s “Schmalspurbahnen.”
One of those diesels is this unique little loco, one of several 2091-series diesels once employed by the ÖBB (Austrian Federal Railway) on its narrow-gauge lines, like the Ybbstalbahn and Mariazellerbahn. The taller hood located behind the cab does not conceal a mechanism. Instead, it’s a functional baggage compartment, with sliding doors, on both the original loco and this LGB model. The model also features authentic livery.


The Prototype
The Austrian narrow gauge railways used diesel locomotives as early as 1927 in their quest for more economical operations. In 1936 and 1937, seven standardized “2041” locos (later re-numbered 2091) were built for various narrow gauge lines of the Austrian Federal Railways.For further cost savings, the locomotives were equipped with a large baggage compartment, eliminating additional baggage cars. The transmission is diesel-electric, which is unusual for European locomotives. A V8 diesel engine turns a generator, which feeds power to the two electric motors that drive the wheels. The 2041/2091 locos were used on many Austrian narrow gauge lines, where its top speed of 50 kph (31 mph) rarely could be achieved.Designed with economy in mind, the locos were not very powerful. As a result, they were used mainly on level tracks, hauling light passenger trains consisting of two four-axle or four two-axle coaches. For hilly lines or heavy trains, steam locomotives were used until the big 2095 diesel locos became available in the 1960s.Loco 2091-03 today is owned by the preservation group Club 760, where it has been restored in its original shape. You can enjoy a ride behind this charming loco on the scenic Taurachbahn (www.club760.at).

The Model
This detailed replica features:
- weather-resistant construction
- factory-installed onboard decoder for MTS and analog operation
- opening doors to cab and baggage compartment
- four-way power control switch
- protected gearboxes with two seven-pole Bühler motors
- eight powered wheels
- one traction tire
- twelve power pickups
- voltage stabilization circuit
- automatic directional lanterns
- multi-purpose socket with circuit breaker
- length: 460 mm (18.1 in.)
- weight: 2600 g (5.7 lb.)