FVM SXT38856 Pullman-Standard Observation, Norfolk & Western/Powhatan Arrow #581 HO Scale

The Powhatan Arrow was Norfolk & Western Railway's premier train between Norfolk, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Introduced in 1946, it received streamlined cars in 1949 before undergoing significant alterations in 1958, including the addition of mail cars and the replacement of observation cars with diner-lounges. By 1969, declining passenger numbers led to the Powhatan Arrow's discontinuation, but its legacy endures through preserved Class J Steam Locomotive 611 at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

The Fox Valley Models™ HO Scale N&W Powhatan Arrow Passenger Car accurately replicates the prototype's streamlined consist from the early 1950s and pairs perfectly with our HO Scale N&W J Class 4-8-4 Steam Locomotive model.

Detailed ScaleTrains

• Era: 1946 to 1969
• Lounge-tavern-observation car (P4 class, #581) 
• Fully-assembled
• Accurate road numbers
• Detailed car bodies
• LED-illuminated overhead interior lighting
• LED-illuminated train name sign on observation car
• LED illuminated marker lights on observation car
• Roof mounted antenna
• End-of-car diaphragms
• Detailed car interiors
• Detailed underframe
• Factory-applied metal grab irons, coupler cut levers, and trainline hoses with connection pipe with silver gladhands 
• Durable body-mounted die-cast metal semi-scale long-shank Type E knuckle couplers
• Die-cast 4-wheel trucks
• 33” machined metal wheels with accurately profiled .110" wide wheel tread
• Operates on Code 70, 83, and 100 rail
• Printing and lettering legible even under magnification
• Weighted to Industry standards for reliable operation
• Packaging safely stores the model
• Minimum radius: 22”
• Recommended radius: 24”

The legendary Powhatan Arrow epitomized luxury and elegance as it traversed the Norfolk and Western Railway's mainline between Norfolk, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Launched on April 28, 1946, amidst the postwar fervor, it quickly garnered acclaim despite not boasting new equipment. Two trains, Nos. 25 and 26, embarked on their daily journey spanning 676 miles, each guided by the sleek 4-8-4 class J steam locomotives.

In late 1949, a transformation awaited the Powhatan Arrow as the Norfolk and Western Railway adorned it with brand-new lightweight passenger cars from the esteemed Pullman-Standard Company. However, 1958 brought significant changes with the introduction of mail cars, conversions of dining cars into diner-lounges, and the elimination of observation cars. This period also saw the iconic class J locomotives replaced by Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) E units leased from other railroads until N&W's EMD GP9s arrived.

As the 1960s unfolded, the allure of air travel and personal automobiles began to diminish passenger traffic on the N&W, ultimately leading to the discontinuation of the Powhatan Arrow in late May 1969. Yet, the legacy lives on through the preservation of its stalwart locomotives; class J No. 611 and GP9 No. 521, both proudly housed at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia.