Model Reviews; VGN AG etc.

[NW Modeling List]

Eric: The precision Scale VGN triplex  comes with an appliance that was not available until the later 1930's.  It has a Nathan low water alarm.  Other than the future low water alarm, the PSC model is very accurate and runs well.   Harold  


On Wednesday, February 4, 2015 3:20 PM, NW Modeling List <nw-modeling-list at nwhs.org> wrote:
  


It would be hard to assert that MTH's engineering was worse than 
Baldwin's, or Erie's, or VGN's, on the triplexes.  In addition to its 
obvious conformational flaws, the MTH model operates far too well to 
faithfully represent the XA.

I'm suspicious that a modeler would buy a model of an XA to "run", for 
two reasons:  (1) the prototype didn't; and (2) given the isolation of 
the climb to Clarks Gap, the extremely narrow time window of the XA's 
existance as a triplex, and the length of train involved-- not to 
mention the obligatory pair of Mallets at the head of the train, it's 
hard to believe that any layout exists that recreates the necessary 
operating ambience.  [Lest you accuse me of boorish recitation of 
others' authentic first-hand observations of Clarks Gap, check out the 
attached photo.  I have walked most of the VGN's electrified route from 
Mullens to Narrows.  This past September I finally managed to find the 
Virginian's (N&W's, NS's) Clarks Gap tunnel-- a non-trivial feat.  A
 census of Clarks Gap, WV would show a population of 26 people (I 
asked.)  I polled 19.2% of them to see if they could direct me to "the 
railroad tunnel at Clarks Gap".  All claimed to know the area 
intimately.  80% of those polled had no knowledge of the tunnel and 
denied its existence.  20% of them responded, "Sure!  It runs right 
underneath where we're standing."  A short drive and a long and steep 
walk later, I took this photo.  If you blow it up, you can see the 
cast-in 1922 date on the left side of the arch.  On a different note, in
 no way imaginable could it have been an amusing experience to have been
 an engineman on the 3rd articulated loco of a train going East through 
that tunnel!  The preceeding uncompensated 2% grade of 14 miles length, 
and 10 degree curve entering the tunnel (and, yes, the XA's 3-5 mph top 
end) must have made that 3rd cab as close to Hell as ever replicated on 
Earth.]

It seems more credible that a model of an XA would be bought to admire 
in static repose (and therefore should be pretty darn accurate in 
appearance)-- and almost mandatory that it operate like crap, to be 
faithful to prototype.  You'd be FAR better off to waste your money (a 
lot of it) on a Precision Scale model of the XA, or to add sand to the 
gearboxes of a Key model of it.  If you don't live near a beach, a 60# 
bag should be enough.

-Eric Bott

Moderator:
 http://nwhs.org/mailinglist/2015/20150104.Clarks_Gap_Tunnel.03.8-2-14.JPG

-----Original Message-----
From: NW-Modeling-List [mailto:nw-modeling-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of NW Modeling List
Sent: Wednesday, February 04, 2015 6:40 AM
To: NW Modeling List
Subject: Re: Model Reviews; VGN AG etc.

At least the AG has the right number of wheels, which is more than can 
be said of the MTH VGN Triplex!  I asked the MTH staff at last year's 
NMRA Convention why they did not put the four wheel trailing truck on 
the model.
As anticipated, the answer was that they would never have got back the extra cost.

On a different level, at Roanoke last July there was a specially painted
 bright yellow hopper car celebrating Pier 6. I understand that it is 
available as a N scale model.  What are the prospects of one, or a way 
of creating one, in HO scale??

Ted Roberts (UK)
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