This Kato N Scale EMD NW2 switcher is ideal for your late-steam-era to the present railroad. Based on diesels built beginning in the early 1940s, the production lifetime of the NW2 was nearly cut short just three years after its introduction, thanks to the establishment of the War Production Board in 1942, which dictated that EMD was to halt all production of switching locomotives to produce only road diesels during the wartime years of 1942 to 1945. However, after the restriction was lifted, the NW2 sprung back as many railroads placed orders for this popular little 1000hp powerhouse. In 2024 a few of these locomotives can still be found enjoying continued service in rail yards. The Kato N scale NW2 replica has great detail and an accurate body with a flywheel-equipped drive designed for low-speed, high-power pulling. It also features directional headlights (without any of the light piping equipment intruding on the interior cab detail), low profile wheels for operation on Code 55 and larger rail, illuminated number boards, and Kato magnetic knuckle couplers. Features also include a lighting control board that can be swapped for a DCC decoder when you’re ready (available separately). The NW2 will handle curves as sharp as 9-3/4″ radius, but larger curves are recommended.