Product Features and Details
Prototype: The Class 232.U1 was designed by the brilliant engineer Marc de Casso and constructed by Corp-et-Louvet for the SNCF. It was a one-of-a-kind steam passenger locomotive and featured a compound engine with four cylinders instead of the conventional two. The Class 232.U1 differed from other locomotives with compound engines in that the locomotive started out from a complete stop with all four cylinders working under the same steam pressure. Once the train was under way, the steam pressure switched over to a compound engine. In this arrangement, steam is used twice, first passing through the two high-pressure cylinders, then through the two low-pressure cylinders. Cruising at speeds over 75 mile/h, the Class 232.U1 ran north from Paris to Aulnoye and Lille on trains bound to and from Brussels, Belgium. Constructed in 1949, the Class 232.U1 was the last and most technologically advanced express passenger locomotive built in France. The locomotive is preserved in the National railway Museum at Mulhouse where it is brought to life each day. The main disadvantage of all static Railway Museum have is that, of all the mechanical creations, the steam locomotive is the one that needs to be seen in operation to be able to appreciate its power and its qualities. The creators of the Museum found an ingenious solution to this problem: The 232 U1 locomotive is supported such that the wheels can turn simultaneously by means of electric motors that gradually increase in speed combined with the sounds of the locomotive dragging a heavy train.
Model: The Fulgurex model of the U1 will be incredible, it is handmade out of brass with meticulous attention to detail. The model will actually have removable shrouding, only 50 will be made worldwide. The model has a full cab interior, brushless can motor, functional front and rear lights, interior illumination and sprung loaded puffers. It is also equipped with an ESU lok pilot multi functional digital decoder so it could be run conventionally or digitally. We only receive a few of these exquisite locomotives so act quickly. Place your order soon because they will sure sell out fast.
