In need of larger power but strappedwith smaller tunnels, the Chesapeakeand Ohio ordered a relatively novelgroup of 25 simple-expansion2-8-8-2 locomotives from Alco in1923. Compound Mallet locomotives,which used steam exhausted fromthe first pair of pistons to power asecond, were nothing new on theC&O or elsewhere. But using steamdirectly from the boiler to power allfour pistons had only been tried afew times - and not on a productionlocomotive.The single expansion offered morepower and reduced the size of thelarge pistons needed in a Mallet. Butit also required a larger boiler toproduce enough steam for what wasessentially, two steam locomotives.Keeping this within tight clearanceslead to the locomotives’ otherdistinctive feature - a smokeboxcrowded with appliances like airpumps, feedwater heater and eventhe bell which couldn’t fit anywhereelse and make it through a tunnel intact.It became a C&O standard on manylocomotives for years to come.Although Alco called them“Chesapeakes,” crews knew themas “Simple Simons” and they weregenerally well liked. Baldwindelivered 20 more in 1926. One areathe original H-7s had come up lackingwas tender capacity. The new unitsarrived with 16,000 gallon Vanderbilttenders to help quench the thirsty boilers.Later, even larger tenders were added tomost units. But Simons’ rule on the mountainwas cut short by the arrival of even larger2-10-4 and 2-6-6-6 Alleghenies in the1930s and 40s. In 1943, three were soldto the RF&P for service on Potomac Yard’shump. Union Pacific picked up 30 in 1945.Some were rebuilt, others were retiredretaining most of their C&O look. Those thatremained on the C&O mostly found theirway into hump yard service as well - sportingmuch smaller tenders again.After nearly a decade’s absence from ourcatalog, Lionel is bringing back the SimpleSimons! Available in new road numbers,paint schemes and tender variations, this isalso the first release of these locomotiveswith Bluetooth control, whistle steam and allof our latest LEGACY upgrades! In additionto multiple C&O variations depicting theclass from 1926 to the 1950s as well as RF&Pand Union Pacific, a Rio Grande versionrepresents a different yet strikingly similarclass on that mountain road.