Model Y-class locomotives

Sun Sep 1 12:46:33 EDT 2019

A lot can be done with the Life Like/Proto/Walthers  2-8-8-2.  If memory
serves it came in two versions: mostly original USRA with a 4 axle tender,
and with some of the later N&W details and a six axle tender.  Also, don't
forget the Powerhouse 2-8-8-2, which also came in the same two versions.
Personally I find the Powerhouse easier to work on, and I try to avoid the
articulateds with the front engine swiveling  The Powerhouse has a cast
boiler on a Samhongsa drive, and pulls like mad.

It has been my experience that if you're patient, and are willing to do
some work, a lot of N&W brass can be found for reasonable prices on eBay,
train shows, or e mail lists.  It's also been my experience that a lot of
the early brass is easier to work on: less fragile details, easier
mechanisms, larger screws, etc.  YMMV.

Nigel: about the Bowser NYC K-11; if someone wants to modify it, they can,
but that Pacific is getting rarer by the year, and is, I think, the only
comparatively correct model of an NYC K-11.  I've seen N&W E2's for sale
for not a lot more than the Bowser is going for, and some even less
expensive WMC E3's.

There are a lot of pretty close models out there than can be detailed, and
it seems to me that the detail parts are tough to find, but when found they
seem to go fairly inexpensively because "nobody wants to build anymore".
[I don't buy into that, but that's a different rant].

Frank Bongiovanni

On Sun, Sep 1, 2019 at 11:12 AM NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <
nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:

> Jeff,
>
> Probably the best bet for converting an RTR steamer into a Z-1 would be to
> start with one of the Bachmann USRA/C&O 2-6-6-2s/ The Y-6b boiler is much
> too large. Same with the streamlined K-2 using the J boiler. It's not easy
> doing the N&W on a shoestring budget! I've seen some very nice K-1
> conversions using the Bmann USRA 4-8-2. The P2K USRA 0-8-0 makes a nice S-1.
>
> Roger Huber
> Deer Creek Locomotive Works
>
>
> On Saturday, August 31, 2019, 07:51:01 PM CDT, NW Modeling List via
> NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> I checked back on my list of locomotives seen on the Shenandoah line and
> found Y-6s and Z-1s. The Rivarossi Y-6 shows up often on e-Bay. Don't know
> about anything that would be a plausible Z-1, although it might be possible
> to cut a Y-6 down by a couple of drivers and shorten the boiler like the
> process I'll have to follow to convert a Bachmann J into a K-2...
>
> Jeff Cornelius
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
> To: NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
> Cc: NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org>
> Sent: Sat, Aug 31, 2019 3:06 pm
> Subject: Re: Model Y-class locomotives
>
> Phil,
>
> While I tend to agree with you, the fact is manufacturers mostly produce
> models based on either prototypes still around or the most
> popular/biggest/fastest/noteworthy ones. The Y-6b was the last of it's kind
> and probably the one that gets the most attention due to that fact. The N&W
> was justly proud of it and the A and J and publicized them more than other
> engines.  There were variations of those engines as well that don't receive
> much if any attention. Take the first series of the A...........boiler tube
> pilots, Laird crossheads, different tenders or the original J's with
> Lairds, round top tenders and some other minor differences. If you want
> those bring your checkbook as they are available in brass.
>
> The Y-3 was done by Life Like P2K and admirably in a couple variations.
> They are no longer made but frequently show up on ebay. Walthers owns Life
> Like but I don't think the Y-3 has been a re-run yet.
>
> I think all versions of the Y class have been produced in brass with KEY
> being the leader in variations there. Like you said they are very expensive.
>
> I wish the modeling scene would change and we could get these engines in
> model form but I doubt if it will happen. Maybe someone will do a Someways
> boiler conversion for some of them someday to fit the Rivarossi or BLI
> models. We can only hope that might happen in our lifetime.
>
> Personally I'd rather see a lower priced, quality M, M-2 or E-2.
>
> Roger Huber
> Deer Creek Locomotive Works
>
>
> On Saturday, August 31, 2019, 07:04:55 AM CDT, NW Modeling List via
> NW-Modeling-List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
>
>
> Good morning,
>
> Forgive me if this is a repeat of something covered in the past.
>
> At least in HO-scale, and maybe others, it seems like the vast majority of
> Y-class locomotives produced are Y6b’s. The exceptions to that are mostly
> very old brass, if you can even find them. One company produced some Y3’s
> in the 1980’s, but you don’t see those for sale. The only newer Y6a was one
> produced a few years ago that’s priced out of most folks’ league. While the
> Y6b’s represent the zenith of the design of those engines, and they’re
> excellent engines and models, none of the real ones exist today. We do have
> one example each of Y3a (Union, Illinois) and Y6a (Roanoke/St. Louis)
> engines. Since I presume the drive mechanism for such models would be
> nearly the same, why don’t we see any of those engines produced in
> HO-scale?  N-scale of the A-class and Y-class would be nice too.
>
> For modeling, I tend to focus more on what exists today or existed at the
> time I’ve been taking photos and modeling trains in recent decades. Except
> for pieces of a Y6b in the Roanoke area, none exist today. It would be nice
> if the manufacturers who are cranking out endless great examples of Y6b
> locomotives would also produce Y6a and Y3a engines. While some might also
> like to see other variations of Y-class engines, we do have real touchable
> examples of Y6a and Y3a in museums. I bet those museums might even consider
> selling them in their shops too.
>
> Any takers? Just my 2 cents.
>
> Thanks,
> Phil Miller
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