The 4-8-4 type was known by a variety of names; the Greenbrier, Pocono, Niagara, Golden State, General Service, Dixie, Confederation or Northern.  Since the Northern Pacific Railroad pioneered the use of this wheel arrangement as early as 1926, the name 'Northern' is more commonly known.  In the United States alone, more than 900 Northerns were built between 1926 and 1950.

Our New Northern was developed to fill the need for a larger locomotive which was not as difficult or expensive to build as our Old Northern.  The Little Engines New Northern is furnished with spoke wheels but Baldwin Box-Poc type are available upon request.  While the style of the engine is basically a Southern Pacific design, a great many engines can be built with the running gear.  We also offer as an option Commonwealth or Buckeye style three axle Tender Trucks.