Built between 1950 and 1953, the RF-16 Sharknose diesels were cab unit diesel locomotives built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works to the specifications of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Their distinctive contours were reminiscent of Raymond Loewy's design for the Pennsy's T1 class steam locomotive. Baldwin built a total of 160 of these locomotives - 109 A-units and 51 cabless booster B-units. In addition to the PRR, B&O and NYC railroads also operated a substantial number of the "Sharks".

The Sharknose locomotives were known as excellent "luggers". They regularly saw service hauling heavy ore and coal drags. The RF-16 Sharknose locomotives beat the F7 with 100 additional horsepower and tied the FA2 with 1600 horsepower. Unfortunately, they did not last as long as the F7's. With a few exceptions, most of the engines were retired by 1967.

In this production run, we are offering A-B Sets in 3 prototypically accurate paint schemes, along with additional A and B units available as a separate item. We are also offering two D&H Sharks as single A-units. 

The railroads typically operated these in ABA configurations. Our A-B sets come with a Powered A-unit with Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC and an unpowered B-unit with a lightweight frame. We also offer an additional single powered A-unit for each paint scheme where appropriate. This single unit has our full Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC system. All of our models have road-specific details and lighting.

List of individually controllable lights in our Sharknose models (note that light options may be limited in Stealth Series models):

• Headlight
• Rear Light
• Numberboard Lights
• Cab Light

In addition to our Paragon4 Sound/DC/DCC units, we are also offering these in our Stealth series. These are No-Sound / DCC-Ready models that operate on DC out of the box, or a modeler can easily install their DCC decoder of choice. Out of the box, front and rear lights are directional, and other lights are always ON with track power. Additionally some light functions may be missing depending on selected aftermarket decoder the modeler installs.

 

Industry-leading Model Features:

• Paragon4 Sound & Control System featuring ROLLING THUNDER

• Integral Dual-Mode Decoder with Back EMF for Superb Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC

• Precision Drive Mechanism Engineered for Heavy Towing and Smooth Slow Speed Operation

• All Wheel Electrical Pick-up

• ABS Body with Die Cast Chassis for Maximum Tractive Effort

• Premium Caliber Painting

• Prototypically Accurate Paint Schemes and Road Numbers

• Many Separately Applied Details such as Handrails, Grab Irons, Horn, Bell, Wipers, and Etched Metal Grills

• Prototypical Light Operation - accurate for each paint scheme

• Prototypically Accurate Sounds for the RF-16 Diesel Locomotive

• MicroTrains-compatible Couplers (2)

• Will Operate on Code 55, Code 70, and Code 80 Rail

• Minimum Operating Radius: 9.75 inches

**Specifications on this page subject to change.