The Reading Crusader was the most famous passenger train ever operated by the Reading Railroad. Only one trainset was built, but two steam locomotives one with Cab #117 and the 2nd with Cab #118 were built so the train could continue to run while one of the locomotives was being serviced.

A Unique feature of the Train was that it had 2 (Two) Coach-Obseration cars, one at each end so the train did not have to be turned at each end of the line to begin its return trip. The Tenders on the Steam Locomotives had an extension piece on it so the round end of the Observation car, behind the loco, would fit into it and therefore present a continuous line of stainless steel down the train. The window shades would be pulled down so you would not see the back of the tender.

All final details about this great model are not know yet, and as we get more details we will share them with you.

As you will see below, Con-Cor will also be making a DCC Sound Decoder for this fine model with Authentic Steam sounds. It will be similar to the Sound Decoder we already make for the Fox Valley Hiawatha Set.

If you scroll down to the lower part of this page, you will see some of the drawings used bin the manufacture of this fine model. We expect to have some photos of the "Pre-Production" samples to show you on this page by about the end of March or early April 2012.

If you scroll all the way down to the bottom of this page, you will see a reproduction of part of an old brochure on the Reading Crusader, as well as a Map of the route it traveled.

Features:

• Fully Detailed Steam Locomotive, faithful to the Original Reading Railroad plans.
• Model will be "DCC" ready, meaning it will run on "DC" right out of the box, and it will be easy to add a "DCC" Decoder into the tender.
• Optional "DCC" Sound Decoder (including a proper speaker) will be available from Con-Cor Trains
• Set will come with 5 passenger cars, Coach-Observation car (Car 1) ; Coach (Car 2); one diner/lounge (Car 3); another Coach (Car 4) and another Coach-Observation (Car 5)
• We will post more information on this set as it becomes available.
• Will be a Limited Run Collector's Set.
• Final Retail on this great Collector's set will be $749.95.. this includes the Locomotive, Tender, and the 5 matching cars.
• DON'T MISS OUT ! By Pre-ordering Now you can save 20% off the retail price, and insure yourself to have your name on the reservation list so you don't miss out on this Limited Run Collector's Set. We expect them to be Sold Out before the shipment arrives in mid 2012.