Trains.com

Aristo-Craft Mallet 2-8-8-2

3326 views
6 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 272 posts
Aristo-Craft Mallet 2-8-8-2
Posted by jamesbaker on Monday, April 30, 2007 2:21 PM

I am getting ready to buy one of the Aristo-Craft Mallet 2-8-8-2.  Is there any thing bad about them that I should know before I buy one?

 http://www.ridgeroadstation.com/istar.asp?a=6&id=25521603!255&csurl=%2Fistar%2Easp%3Fa%3D3%26manufacturer%3D255%26dept%3Dtrains%26class%3DG%26subclass%3DENGINE%26sortby%3Dinstock%26

Thanks
Baker

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: North of Chicago
  • 1,050 posts
Posted by Tom The Brat on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 11:55 AM

Some early ones had troubles with screws coming loose on the drive wheels and rods. Check that the screws don't turn. They're locktighted and you shouldn't be able to get them to come loose for nothing without a torch.

It's normal for one drive block to start a little before the other. This worries some, but will won't bother a thing on the track.

They are heavy, smooth, strong and slow.

  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 272 posts
Posted by jamesbaker on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 1:14 PM

Thanks for the reply sounds to me from every thing I have read they are pretty good.

You think they are worth $630.oo?

Thanks
Baker

  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: silver spring, md
  • 1,232 posts
Posted by altterrain on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 2:40 PM

If you like really big locos and have 12' diameter or better curves to make them look good when running, go for it. A few of the guys in my club have them and like them much. We had a couple running at ECLSTS this year -

 

 

There was a recent thread on potential problems on the Aristo board - http://www.aristocraft.com/vbulletinforums/showthread.php?t=9585

 

 -Brian 

President of
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: North of Philadelphia
  • 2,372 posts
Posted by tmcc man on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 5:15 PM

James, what roadname are you looking for? I know there are 2 places selling select roadnames: St. Aubins ( www.staubintrains.com ) for $460 and TrainWorld/TrainLand ( www.trainworld.com ) for $450. I hope this is of help to you.

Colin from prr.railfan.net
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 272 posts
Posted by jamesbaker on Wednesday, May 2, 2007 7:50 PM
Thank You for the lower prices.

Baker
  • Member since
    February 2006
  • 272 posts
Posted by jamesbaker on Thursday, May 3, 2007 4:57 PM

Would some one mind to tell me the length of this Engine W/Tender? 

Also it says:
"ABSOLUTE MINIMUM OF 8 FOOT DIAMETER CURVE. 10 FOOT DIAMETER CURVE RECOMMENDED"

So do you guys think it will be ok to run it on LGB R3 8' because that is the largest that I have. It will also get some 10' curve time as well, but there will be some 8' curves in my layout.

As far as switches I need R5 because it will not go through R3 right?

Thanks
Baker

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy