Product Features and Details
Prototype: In the late 1920's and 30's Germany and many other countries experimented with turbine locomotives. Many interesting locomotives were constructed, but most of them were not that effective. The T38 was essentially a conventional piston-driven steam locomotive, exhausting into a LP turbine booster in the tender. The turbines emitted into a condenser at the rear of the tender, offering the potential for efficient turbine operation. It was designed by Dr. Zorlly of the DRB in association with manufacturer Henschel. Most of the innovation was in the tender. This was built by Henschel at Kassel in 1927. The locomotive was almost standard apart from the addition of fan draught. Tests were run in late 1927, and the results were not that encouraging. There are reports that excessive power was lost in windage in the reverse turbine; this presumably means that the condenser vacuum was poor. The reverse turbine was therefore removed, as the piston-driven loco was perfectly capable of moving a train in reverse. There also appears to have been problems with excess steam consumption by the auxiliary machinery; presumably this means the various fan drives. In 1937 the locomotive was converted back to normal operation and given a conventional tender. It was eventually scrapped in March 1961. Apart from it's poor performance the locomotive was truly a unique locomotive during a time of turbine development!
Model:
This will be the fourth experimental locomotive that Micro-Metakit will produce and we feel it will be one of the most impressive. This model will have a fully functional powered tender and locomotive. It will also have motorized condenser fans in the tender. The T38 is handmade in brass; it features full cab interior, functional boiler hatch with full boiler details and a brush-less, ironless bell shaped motor. This model is a masterpiece and it features too many technical and optical details to list. Please keep in mind that quantities are extremely limited. This model will sell out fast so order soon to guarantee the version desired. Micro Metakit will produce four versions; a total of only about 300 will be made. We expect to take delivery sometime in August. The main differences between some of these versions is the placement of the pre-heater, cab roof and frontal boiler hatch.
