C38 Class locomotive was commissioned for the NSW Government Railways to eliminate the expense and complications of double-heading express passenger and mail trains on the demanding line between Sydney and Albury.

Designed and built in Australia, the boasted an impressive 20 tonnes and up to 2500 horsepower. The first fine locomotives were constructed by Clive Engineering of Sydney. They each featured a streamlined design that was considered fashionable to attract passengers at the time. The first locomotive appeared in January 1943.

After a successful introduction, the second batch of 25 non-streamlined locomotives were ordered in 1943, the even numbers built at Eveleigh workshops. The first non-streamlined locomotive rolled out in November 1945. The late 1950s saw the rise of the Diesel locomotive and the loss of the prestigious passenger duties for the C38s as they went on to haul mixed freight. 1962 saw the beginning the C38 withdrawal from service with the final C38 3820 withdrawn in December 1970.

The C38 is often seen as Australia’s most successful steam passenger locomotive… a true Australian Railway icon.

Different color to the first release

Model Features:

HO Gauge
DCC Ready
Detailed cabin interior including floating footplate
Separately applied body detail parts
Accurately reproduced motion mechanisms
Realistic mechanical mechanisms
Authentic knuckle style couplers
Dual position drawbar for close tender coupling
DCC Type

This locomotive is DCC READY and will accept an 8-pin type decoder.

What is the difference between DCC Ready and DCC Fitted? click here to find out more (opens in new window)

Other Information

BRAND Australian Railway Models
SKU 87001
DCC TYPE DCC Ready (8-pin type)
AGE SUITABILITY 14+