No. 10571 4-6-0 "Ten-Wheeler" Steam Locomotive, heading up the "Circus Train"

In the late 19th and early 20th Centuries, before talkie movies, television, and other hi-tech distractions, the circus was a big event, moving from town to town by rail with animals, trapeze acts, and clowns under the Big Top tent- great excitement for all when there was no other competition.

This is an extraordinary model train modeled loosely after Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus trains of that era. It is in "G" gauge by Bachmann, and the 3-car circus set features a flat car with animal cages and animals, stock car with an elephant, and combine car. The train is seven feet in length.

The 4-6-0 steam locomotive appeared on American railroads mid-19th Century, developed in 1847 by locomotive builder Richard Norris & Sons in Philadelphia. It largely replaced the popular 4-4-0 when more powerful engines were needed to climb the steep inclines of the Rocky Mountains in serving the abundant timber, coal, silver, and gold regions located in the area. The "Ten-Wheelers" also served well hauling coal and passengers over the formidable Allegheny mountains in the East.