Rivarossi Heisler Steam Locomotive McCloud River Railroad #3 HO Scale with DCC Sound Decoder

The Heisler locomotive, patented in 1892 by Charles L. Heisler, revolutionized the United States logging industry well into the 20th century. Renowned for its impressive pulling power, it stood out among geared steam locomotives for its efficiency in hauling heavy loads of loaded log cars both on level ground and steep inclines. A distinctive feature of the Heisler was its centrally located cylinders, set at a 45-degree angle, which drove one axle per truck via a centrally placed drive shaft on two-truck models, while the three-truck variant extended this shaft into the tender to accommodate increased fuel and water capacity.

Approximately 625 Heisler locomotives were manufactured, ranging from 17 to 95 tons, each designed to efficiently transport timber, notably pulling Rivarossi's new 38-foot die-cast skeleton log cars. One notable operator of Heisler locomotives was the McCloud River Railroad (MCR), which spanned 95.5 miles near Mount Shasta, facilitating efficient transport of logs directly to the company sawmill from 1897 onwards. Initially dedicated to logging, the MCR also utilized variants like the Shay and Heisler from Lima Locomotive Works, enhancing its lumber delivery capabilities.

The Heisler locomotives, colloquially nicknamed "Maggie," were pivotal in the McCloud region from 1898, when they commenced operations, until their transfer to the Weed Lumber Company in 1904. At its peak, the McCloud River Lumber Company managed over 600,000 acres of timberland, distinct from but interconnected with the McCloud River Railroad, both entities owning and operating segments of the railway network.

Rivarossi, an esteemed Italian manufacturer now part of the Hornby Hobbies family, has contributed significantly to the model railway industry with a range of iconic locomotives, including steam, diesel, and electric variants over the past five decades. Their products, equipped with DCC-compatible 21-pin socket ESU LokSound 5.0 Decoders, are tailored for HO 1:87 and OO 1:76 gauge railway layouts, featuring knuckle couplers and including items such as the Rivarossi Skeleton log cars.

These log cars, when paired with a Heisler locomotive, authentically replicate the sight of these engines pulling loads out of the dense forests of the upper Midwest and Western United States during the early 20th century. Steam locomotives like the Heisler played a crucial role in the development of the American West, facilitating the extraction and transport of timber essential for paper mills and the construction of burgeoning towns in previously inaccessible mountainous and forested regions.

For model railway enthusiasts, Hornby offers a comprehensive range of products under brands like Skaledale and Skale Scenics, designed to enhance layout realism with buildings, monuments, and trees, catering to any layout or diorama needs. Whether recreating historical scenes or crafting fictional landscapes, these accessories enrich the immersive experience of building and operating model railways.

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