Exceptionally Rare PSC Crown Series Union Pacific 4-10-2 No. Offered here is an exceptional 1997 Precision Scale Co. Crown Series HO-scale brass Union Pacific 4-10-2 “Overland” steam locomotive, road number 8809, handcrafted in Korea by the highly respected Samhongsa. This locomotive is individually documented as Crown Series serial No. 10 of only 32 produced under PSC catalog number 17030-2. With such a remarkably limited production run, this is not a model that appears regularly on the open market. It represents an outstanding opportunity for an advanced Union Pacific, Precision Scale, Samhongsa, Crown Series, three-cylinder steam, or high-end brass collector. This example is especially desirable because it combines its limited-production Crown Series pedigree with a working third-cylinder mechanism, professionally installed Tsunami DC/DCC sound, mechanical cam-triggered exhaust synchronization, working front and rear lighting, added painted cab crew figures, excellent factory decoration, original box and foam, minimal wheel wear, and exceptionally smooth operation. 10 of Only 32 Produced. Precision Scale’s Crown Series represented the company’s premium tier of limited-production brass modeling, combining intricate construction, fine detailing, excellent factory decoration, and extremely small production quantities. Only 32 examples of this PSC 17030-2 Union Pacific 4-10-2 were produced in 1997, and this locomotive is individually identified as No. Its serialized identity and extremely limited production give it a level of exclusivity far beyond that of an ordinary production locomotive. Nearly three decades have passed since this model was imported. Surviving examples are now dispersed among private collections, and locomotives of this caliber may remain unavailable for years once acquired. Finding another example with this combination of excellent condition, original packaging, operating third-cylinder machinery, painted cab figures, synchronized sound, and modern DCC capability may be exceptionally difficult. An Important Union Pacific Prototype. The prototype represented by this model possessed a history unlike any other member of Union Pacific’s 4-10-2 fleet. The locomotive was originally constructed by the Brooks Works of the American Locomotive Company in 1925 as Union Pacific No. It was built as an experimental coal-burning, three-cylinder 4-10-2 and served as Union Pacific’s developmental locomotive for this unusual wheel arrangement. The performance of No. 8000 contributed to an order for nine additional oil-burning 4-10-2 locomotives, numbered 8800 through 8808, for the Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad. 8000 was later converted to oil firing and transferred to the LA&SL in 1929, where it was renumbered 8809. 8809 therefore became the tenth and final member of the 8800-series fleet. More importantly, it was the original experimental locomotive from which Union Pacific’s remaining 4-10-2 locomotives developed. In 1942, the prototype was rebuilt as a conventional two-cylinder locomotive and renumbered LA&SL No. It remained in service until its retirement in 1954. This PSC model captures the locomotive during its most mechanically distinctive period, while it still retained the three-cylinder arrangement that defined the original Overland design. The Southern Pacific Type and Union Pacific Overland. The imposing 4-10-2 wheel arrangement consists of four leading wheels, ten coupled driving wheels, and two trailing wheels. In American railroad terminology, this arrangement became widely known as the Southern Pacific type because of Southern Pacific’s extensive use of large three-cylinder 4-10-2 locomotives. Union Pacific used the name “Overland” for its own rare interpretation of the 4-10-2. While Southern Pacific operated the better-known and substantially larger fleet, Union Pacific and the Los Angeles & Salt Lake had only ten examples, making the Union Pacific Overlands a far less common chapter in American steam history. Although this model represents a Union Pacific locomotive rather than a Southern Pacific engine, it belongs to the select family of large three-cylinder 4-10-2 locomotives associated with both of these legendary western railroads. The Overland name also connects the locomotive with Union Pacific’s historic identity and the celebrated Overland Route, the transcontinental corridor linking the Midwest with the American West. For collectors interested in Southern Pacific-type steam power, Union Pacific motive-power development, or the heritage of the Overland Route, No. 8809 represents a fascinating and rarely modeled piece of railroad history. A Historically Distinctive Three-Cylinder Locomotive. The defining characteristic of the prototype was its unusual three-cylinder machinery. Two conventional cylinders were positioned outside the locomotive’s frame, while a third cylinder was mounted internally. This arrangement gave the locomotive additional power and a distinctive exhaust rhythm, but it also required far more complex machinery than a conventional two-cylinder steam locomotive. The combination of an uncommon 4-10-2 wheel arrangement and three-cylinder operation makes the prototype especially appealing to collectors of unusual steam engineering. 8809’s three-cylinder identity was also comparatively short-lived. After its 1942 rebuilding, the defining internal cylinder was removed. Later the series would inspire UP to develop the famous 4-12-2, 9000 class steam engines. This model preserves No. 8809 as it appeared during its original and most historically compelling configuration, before its conversion into a more conventional two-cylinder locomotive. One of the most impressive and desirable features of this Crown Series model is its operating third-cylinder mechanism. Rather than reproducing only the external appearance of the prototype, Precision Scale and Samhongsa incorporated mechanical movement representing the locomotive’s unusual internal third cylinder. When the locomotive operates, the additional movement creates a level of mechanical activity and visual interest that cannot be duplicated by a conventional two-cylinder brass steam locomotive. This is far more than a decorative feature. It recreates the engineering characteristic that defined Union Pacific’s Overland locomotives and directly connects the model with the history of the prototype. For collectors of experimental steam power, intricate operating brass, Union Pacific motive-power development, or three-cylinder locomotives, the functioning third cylinder is one of this model’s most important attributes. Tsunami DC/DCC and Sound Conversion. This locomotive has been upgraded with an installed Tsunami DC/DCC and sound system, combining the craftsmanship and commanding presence of premium 1990s brass with modern digital operation. The locomotive can be operated using conventional analog DC or a compatible DCC system. The decoder address is currently programmed to 8809, matching the locomotive’s road number. Most importantly, the exhaust sound is controlled through the locomotive’s mechanical sound cam. This provides cam-triggered synchronized chuff, connecting the exhaust cadence directly to the model’s actual mechanical movement rather than relying solely on a generic speed-based sound sequence. The synchronized exhaust significantly enhances the operating experience. Movement of the drivers, side rods, valve gear, and working third-cylinder mechanism is accompanied by properly timed sound, giving the locomotive the powerful mechanical presence appropriate to such a large and unusual prototype. The installed Tsunami system makes this example especially desirable for a collector who wants more than a static display model. It retains the craftsmanship and collectibility of premium Crown Series brass while providing digital control, sound, and lighting suitable for a flagship operating locomotive. I’m unsure of the maximum curve radius/track clearance, as there is currently no way to test it. My best estimate is that a 34-36° curve, or possibly tighter, should provide safe operating clearance for this long, rigid-frame engine. Added Painted Cab Crew Figures. The cab has been enhanced with added painted engineer and fireman figures, bringing human scale, character, and life to the locomotive. The figures complement the fully detailed backhead, which includes painted gauges, dials, valve handles, controls, and other individually highlighted cab fittings. Rather than presenting an empty cab, the locomotive appears crewed and ready to lead a heavy train across Union Pacific territory and the historic Overland Route. Viewed through the cab openings, the painted figures and detailed controls create an especially convincing presentation. They are highly effective when the locomotive is displayed at eye level, photographed on a layout, or operated slowly past an observer. The painted crew gives the model a complete, ready-for-service appearance while complementing the original Crown Series craftsmanship. The locomotive retains its excellent factory-applied Union Pacific finish and is prominently numbered 8809. The black finish, Union Pacific lettering, road numbers, piping, handrails, appliances, and exposed metal details present exceptionally well. Wheel wear is minimal, the wheel plating remains excellent, and no significant tarnish was noted during inspection. The only noted paint blemish is located on the left-side cylinder. Aside from this small localized imperfection, the factory decoration remains excellent. Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact appearance and location of the blemish. The locomotive appears to have been test-run only, helping preserve its factory finish, wheels, running gear, and overall presentation. Its long boiler, ten coupled drivers, large tender, and intricate machinery give it the imposing appearance expected from one of Union Pacific’s most unusual heavy steam designs. Exceptionally Smooth and Quiet Operation. The locomotive is powered by a can motor and has been tested as a smooth and exceptionally quiet runner. Motor and gearbox noise were rated approximately 1 out of 10, indicating virtually no noticeable mechanical noise apart from the installed sound system. The locomotive has been tested and externally lubricated, and it operates smoothly throughout its mechanism. It received an overall C-8 Like New condition grade. Its excellent factory paint, minimal wheel wear, excellent wheel plating, low mechanical noise, and apparent test-run-only history make this a particularly attractive operating example. Both the front headlight and rear tender light are operational. The combination of synchronized sound, working lighting, smooth motion, and functioning third-cylinder machinery gives this locomotive an extraordinary presence while operating. Unsure what the max curve radius track clearnace is as no means to test it. Best guess would be 34-36 degree or more curved track would be safe operating this long riggied frame engine. Detailed Cab and Backhead. The cab and backhead are fully detailed and painted. Visible features include painted gauges, dials, valve handles, controls, and other fittings, together with the added painted engineer and fireman figures. These details create a convincing working environment and reinforce the premium quality associated with Precision Scale’s Crown Series. The cab interior is especially appealing when viewed from the side or rear, where the figures and individually highlighted controls can be appreciated through the cab openings. Original Box and Foam. The original Precision Scale box and protective foam are included. The box shows expected shelf and storage wear, including scuffing along the edges and three corners. This wear is limited to the packaging and does not detract from the locomotive itself. The presence of the original box and fitted foam remains important to the completeness and collectibility of a limited-production Crown Series brass model. Builder: Samhongsa, Korea Series: PSC Crown Series Scale: HO Production Year: 1997 Serial Number: No. 10 of only 32 produced PSC Catalog Number: 17030-2 Category: Steam locomotive Type: Non-articulated Railroad: Union Pacific / Los Angeles & Salt Lake Road Number: 8809 Original Prototype Number: Union Pacific 8000 Wheel Arrangement: 4-10-2 Type Name: Union Pacific “Overland” / Southern Pacific-type wheel arrangement Construction: Handcrafted brass Condition: C-8 Like New Factory Paint: Excellent Paint Blemish: Small blemish on the left-side cylinder Wheel Wear: Minimal Wheel Plating: Excellent Tarnish: No significant tarnish noted Motor: Can motor Operation: Analog DC and digital DCC Decoder and Sound: Tsunami DC/DCC with sound Decoder Address: 8809 Sound Synchronization: Mechanical cam-triggered chuff Mechanical Feature: Working third-cylinder mechanism Lighting: Operating front headlight and rear tender light Cab Interior: Fully detailed and painted backhead Figures: Added painted engineer and fireman figures Tender Coupler: Kadee coupler Front Coupler: Cast pilot-mounted coupler Mechanical Noise: Approximately 1 out of 10 Service Performed: Tested and externally lubricated Packaging: Original box and foam. This locomotive possesses the rarity, historical importance, mechanical complexity, and visual presence to become the centerpiece of an advanced Union Pacific, Overland Route, Precision Scale, Crown Series, Samhongsa, Southern Pacific-type, or three-cylinder steam collection. It represents the experimental locomotive that began as Union Pacific No. 8000, contributed to the development of the railroad’s remaining 4-10-2 fleet, became LA&SL No. 8809, and completed the ten-member Overland class. The model captures the prototype during its most fascinating three-cylinder configuration and recreates that engineering through an operating third-cylinder mechanism. Its historical character is further enhanced by synchronized Tsunami sound, working lighting, excellent factory decoration, a detailed cab interior, and added painted crew figures. With only 32 produced and this example individually identified as No. 10, another comparable opportunity may not appear for a very long time. Especially not one upgraded with DCC and Sound. Once placed into serious private collections, models of this caliber frequently remain unavailable for years. This is not simply another locomotive to add to a roster. It is a centerpiece-grade collectible representing Union Pacific’s rare answer to the famous Southern Pacific 4-10-2 and an important part of the railroad’s Overland Route legacy. All serious Best Offers will be considered.