HO Brass Model Trains - Fulgurex Italian 2-8-0 FS Franco Crosti Class 740 Steam Locomotive - Factory Painted
The model is in excellent condition and is virtually brand new, having never been run. It has been carefully tested and operates perfectly smooth. The locomotive comes complete with its original box and factory foam packaging.
This particular version of the Fulgurex FS Class 740 is extremely rare and difficult to find, making it a highly desirable piece for serious collectors.
The Fulgurex Italian FS Class 740 Franco-Crosti locomotive is truly an exceptional model. Renowned for their uncompromising quality and artistry, Fulgurex locomotives are widely regarded as some of the finest handmade models in the world. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted and painted by skilled old-world artisans, resulting in a level of refinement and realism that places Fulgurex firmly at the pinnacle of the European model railway industry—often described as the Mercedes-Benz of fine scale models.
What makes Fulgurex even more special is their extreme exclusivity. Many models are produced in very limited quantities—often fewer than 40 examples worldwide—making them highly desirable and genuinely collectible. This locomotive features a brushless, ironless, high-efficiency motor with flywheel, delivering exceptionally smooth and quiet operation. The extraordinary detailing includes a fully detailed cab interior, sprung buffers, fine piping, prototypical fittings, and countless other refinements that reward even the closest inspection.
Prototype History – FS Class 740
The FS Class 740 was one of the most important and successful steam locomotive classes of the Italian State Railways (Ferrovie dello Stato). Introduced in the early 20th century, the 740 was a robust 2-8-0 “Consolidation” freight locomotive designed for heavy goods service across Italy’s diverse and often challenging terrain. Its simple yet powerful design made it a workhorse of the FS fleet, equally at home on main lines and secondary routes.
In the post-war years, as coal efficiency became increasingly important, a number of Class 740 locomotives were rebuilt with the innovative Franco-Crosti feedwater preheater system, which used exhaust gases to preheat boiler water via distinctive external pipes and heat exchangers. These rebuilt locomotives were later reclassified as FS Class 741, representing Italy’s attempt to extend the useful life of steam traction through advanced thermal efficiency. While ultimately complex in service, the Franco-Crosti locomotives remain among the most visually striking and technically fascinating steam engines ever operated by FS.
This Fulgurex model beautifully captures both the engineering character and historical significance of the Class 740 and its Franco-Crosti development, making it not just a model locomotive, but a true museum-quality representation of Italian steam history.
