The 222T locomotive was not a very successful locomotive for AS due to its motor/drive system which evidently left a lot to be desired in terms of reliability. But it wasn’t until 1987 that AS produced its next series of model steam locomotives, the Pacific 231 locomotive. Then between 1987 and 1990, AS produced three very attractive tinplate Pacifics: the iconic Chapelon 231E, the original PO 231/231A, and the famous 231K8.
The first Pacific produced by AS in 1987 was the model of the Chapelon Pacific 231E.
The NORD Chapelon Pacific 231E preserved at the Cité du Train in Mulhouse,
France
(Photo source Wikipedia)
The SNCF Pacific 231E41 preserved at St Pierre Des Corps
(Photo source Wikipedia)
Created by Andre Chapelon, the renowned locomotive designer, these locomotives hauled the luxury boat train Flèche d'Or (the French continuation of The Golden Arrow) from Calais to Paris and the French leg of the Orient Express’s journey from Paris to Istanbul in the period between the world wars.
The AS tinplate model was made in both the chocolate-brown with yellow edging of the NORD and the green with yellow striped livery of the post 1938 SNCF.
The AS Chapelon Pacific in NORD livery
(Photo courtesy of Archaic Photos)
The AS Chapelon Pacific in SNCF livery
(Photo courtesy of SAS Auctions)
The Pacifics have an improved motor as compared to the 222Ts but operators today are still not impressed with the running quality of the model. Current is collected by pickups in the tender. The locomotive can easily handle 60 cm radius curves. Of interest is how the detailing varies from model to model. Note, in the photo of the NORD 231 above, the extra detail of chains on the buffer beam. Some models have a simple boiler backhead, others more detailed, and even others with no backhead at all. My SNCF 231E has an intricate ladder and railing structure on the tender, similar to that found on the later K8s. It appears there were a variety of details that one could have custom fitted by the manufacturer. It is believed that 200 of each of these Pacific 231Es were produced.
Most 3-rail 0 gauge enthusiasts in the US are well aware of the Chapelon 231E. When MTH – Mikes Train House - introduced its 231E Pacific, with over 260 engine and tender detail parts in their 2008 catalog it was an instant sensation in the 0 gauge community.
The MTH die cast 231E (above) compared to the AS tinplate 231E (below)
A quick photo comparison between the two locomotives vividly illustrates how both customer desires and manufacturing technologies have progressed in the last two decades. Never-the-less the AS Pacifics are realistic looking models.
Next: The AS Pacifics PO
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