I notice these have an odd straight element that connects all 4 wheels - kind of makes the engine look kind of simple and toy-like?
Is that a prototypical feature - or just a cheaper way of representing the linkages?
Im thinking of the 671 - but I think there are other models with this setup.
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I think the prototype had individual rods connecting wheel to wheel, but overall they were in a straight line. I think the Lionel rod is a fairly good approximation. Here is the prototype. 
No, the 671 is a model of PRR's attempt at using a steam turbine for power. The actual drive mechanism of the real thing (#6200) resembles the worm drive setup in the Lionel models. Since there are no drive pistons, they only needed the drive rods to connect the the driving wheels together.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PRR_S2
It was built in 1944 and scrapped in 1952. :-(
Tony
When I was young I use to wonder why other locomotives had all those moving parts and mine didn't. It wasn't until I was older and read up on what it was that I understood.
Funny that one doomed prototype lead to 1 million plus successful models.
When I was young I use to wonder why other locomotives had all those moving parts and mine didn't. It wasn't until I was older and read up on what it was that I understood.
So true!
Tony
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