Product Features and Details
Model: This model is a new innovation from Roco. The model comes with a built-in NMRA-DCC decoder with Back-EMF and many sound and light effects that can be controlled with any DCC digital system. The motor has a flywheel and one axle is powered and equipped with traction tires. The lights change from red to white depending on the direction of travel.
The model features:
* LED-lights
* Plux22 Digital Interface
* 5-Pole Can Skewed Cam Motor
* Functional Spinning Rotary Blades.
* 360 Degree Plow & Cab Rotation
* Interior Cab Illumination
* Plow and be digitally moved up and down
* Factory Installed DCC Sound Decoder
Prototype: The Swiss State Railroad (SBB) used rotary steam plows to keep the Gotthard Line open. After these were withdrawn from service, the railroad had hoped that improved line protection and new snow sheds would allow operating without rotary plows. It soon became apparent that this was not the case. In 1980, the SBB therefore ordered two self-propelled rotary plows with diesel engines from the German company Beilhack in Rosenheim. Beilhack had successfully used this design for rotary plows delivered to Austria and Norway, and it proved itself on the Gotthard line too. The two plows were initially stationed in Göschenen and Erstfeld.
A special feature of this design is that the bridge with the rotary blades can be turned 180° so that the plow can operate in both directions. The blades can be lowered and raised, and up to 1000hp is available for the blades which allows the plow to throw snow up to 60m (200 feet) away from the track. The plow can reach a top speed of 65km/h (40mi/h).
The Roco model allows the modeler to duplicate many of the functions of the original.
