Model Y-class locomotives

[NW Modeling List]

All valid points Roger. I would agree about the M/M-2 and E-2 as alternatives. 

Phil Miller

 

From: NW-Modeling-List [mailto:nw-modeling-list-bounces at nwhs.org] On Behalf Of NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List
Sent: Saturday, August 31, 2019 12:37 PM
To: NW Modeling List via NW-Modeling-List
Cc: NW Modeling List
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

________________________________________
NW-Modeling-List at nwhs.org
To change your subscription go to
http://list.nwhs.org/mailman/options/nw-modeling-list
Browse the NW-Modeling-List archives at
http://list.nwhsorg/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/ <http://list.nwhs.org/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/> 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://pairlist6.pair.net/pipermail/nw-modeling-list/attachments/20190831/158a773f/attachment.html>