The massive class FF1 was the Pennsylvania RR’s first heavy-duty, alternating current (AC) mainline locomotive. Eisenbahn Canada has released a museum-quality HO scale brass model of this pioneering electric. The model is exquisitely detailed with more than 1,250 parts and is available in three prototypical paint schemes.
The prototype. In 1917 the Pennsylvania RR needed a freight locomotive capable of hauling tonnage along its planned electrified route over the Allegheny Mountains. To answer this call, the Pennsy’s own Juniata Shop built a single experimental locomotive, class FF1 no. 3931. The locomotive was 76’-6” long and weighed 516,000 pounds. The FF1 quickly earned the nickname “Big Liz.”