Steam Locomotive 0-4-4-0 Heisler 

Geared Steam Locomotive type HEISLER.

Of “geared"  locomotives there are three types: Shay, Climax, Heisler. All have a «body» boiler driver’s cabin and coal and water deposit all on one chassis with geared transmission to the wheels, thus the name “geared locomotive”.

The steam engine is different on all three of the models, just as, is its position on the chassis. In any case is it a locomotive with a high revolutions, which is linked  by a transmission geared to reduce and powering the driving wheels which are of a smaller size than normal, and since all wheels are powered this produces high power of traction, low speed, and give the loco excellent traction grip. The loco therefore is ideal for high gradient track, tight corners, and tortuous tracks, where a normal Locomotive with a rigid chassis and main driving rods could not operate.

On the Heisler type the body  of the Loco lies on two or three bogies with four wheels each, the motor in centrally positioned with its two cylinders in a V 90° configuration. The main transmission shaft is positioned longitudinally to the chassis , and lets the loco move via an articulated transmission shaft that drives a cone toothed pinion  on a crowned pinion at the centre of the axles on each of the bogies. This axle moves the one next via linkage rods on the exterior of the wheels.

Geared Steam train type Heisler with three powered bogies.

This model is of another prototype of the "Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company", which has the traditional  loco, with an added powered tender, thus a three powered bogie. Thus increased traction, compared to the initial two bogied version, without increasing the specific axel weight, which is an important detail, which lets the loco transit on bridges, viaducts, and lines with limited track/axle  /weight ratio.

In the model all three  bogies are powered with transmission with external rods like in the original. All gearings are functional; as so are the lamps, one on the front of the boiler, and the other on the roof of the cabin.

Length cm. 21.

Geared Steam train type "HEISLER"  with two powered bogies.

This model is the prototype of the "Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company".

The great versatility of this type of locomotive, rendered it also a wise choice for use in dockside operations; on service tracks that linked deposits also to the exterior of urban areas. The other common use of this loco was in the actual forests where, tree logging was being done.

The model has transmission by gears on all bogies  as was in real life, all the distribution rods are fully functioning, and both headlamps light up.

Length  cm_ 13.

Produced by Rivarossi from 1974 until 1994

These locomotives were used for the transport of  trees cut in forests; so therefore were used by actual Lumber companies, and not railroad companies. Which linked the different areas of the forest where they were felling trees, with  rather less precise tracks, to let the felled trees be moved out of the actual felling area.

Produced in the liveries of:

 - "Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company",

- "Coos Bay Lumber Company",

- "Deep River Logging Company",

- "Pacific Lumber Company",

- "West Side Lumber Company",

- "Beaver Logging Company",

- "Tioga & Lumber Company",

- "Cass Scenic",

- "Green Brier & Elk River",

- "The Ohio Match Company",

- "Salmone Creck Lumber Company"

- non decorated .