Product Features and Details
Prototype:
The BR 297 Adhesion/Rack locomotive was the largest adhesion/rack locomotive ever built. It was built by Wien-Floridsdorfs factory in 1942. The 297 were placed into service on the Erzbergbahn, a treacherous mountain route located in the Erzberg mountain region in Austria. The Erzbergbahn was finished in 1891 and ore was the main raw material, which was hauled 19.6 kilometers from Vordernberg to Eisenerz. Since the early 1900's many rack locomotives were built but the Austrian Railroads need strong locomotives so the 297 was commissioned and it was required to haul heavy 40 or more heavy ore cars up 7% grades, a remarkable accomplishment.
Model: Micro Metakit introduced the plans to built this model four years ago and finally it will be delivered in early 2005. The model will be a functional work of art. It will feature a complete and functional inner rack system and will run with a double motion drive just like the prototype. The outer drive rods will turn slower and the inner rods will spin twice as fast to move the cog gears. The inner drive rods will be pitched up at a 15 degree angle which is the main reason why this model took so long to produce, it was a mechanical challenge and Micro Metakit finally figured out how to a make it all work. Four versions will be made and we expect deliver in January 2005. The WWII German version #02800H is really interesting, it will come with the German Wehrmacht eagles and air raid light dimmers attached to the lanterns. The 297 will make a nice additional to any collection especially for those lucky collectors you purchased the Austrian 269 class a few years ago. The 269 and 297 were the main locomotives use on the Erzbergbahn.
