1218, 611 Back at VMT

[Virginian]

Are you talking about the cast pilot, very similar to Class J's and late C&O 4-8-4s, ot the pilot truck?  Actually, if you stand next to either, I don't think tinny is what would come to mind.

[selector]

but I haven't seen a Class A with this somewhat tinny looking pilot.

Tinny? Tinny?? Wake up boy, there's nothing tinny about that pilot!!

It is only a comparative term.  It is not cast, ergo....

[GP40-2]

but I haven't seen a Class A with this somewhat tinny looking pilot.

Tinny? Tinny?? Wake up boy, there's nothing tinny about that pilot!!

True. That pilot is probably helping carry the weight of TWO 18 wheelers on that front truck.

You need to put your hand on that hard iron and steel.

"Tinny!" Humpth.

Actually, that front axle is only carrying around 40,000 lbs; most of the locomotive's weight is on the drivers. However, the cast pilot is still pretty impressive.

[Anonymous]

but I haven't seen a Class A with this somewhat tinny looking pilot.

Tinny? Tinny?? Wake up boy, there's nothing tinny about that pilot!!

True. That pilot is probably helping carry the weight of TWO 18 wheelers on that front truck.

You need to put your hand on that hard iron and steel.

"Tinny!" Humpth.

[BigJim]

but I haven't seen a Class A with this somewhat tinny looking pilot.

Tinny? Tinny?? Wake up boy, there's nothing tinny about that pilot!!

[selector]

OK, link is now live,  Learned something today. 

Yes, it is a Class A, and you're right, it's not a Mallet (after Anatole Mallet). That term applies to 4-cylinder compound articulated locos, like the Y6 classes.  1218 is a 4-cylinder simple, no snappy short name.

One look at the front cylinders made it apparent to me that it was simple steam, but I haven't seen a Class A with this somewhat tinny looking pilot.  The ones with which I am familiar have the heavy cast pilot, a rather distinctive feature when compared side-by-side to a Y-class front end.  I am pleased that the engine exists at all, and would love to listen to her breathe close-up and personal.  In a fawning sort of way.

[Anonymous]

Alot of mass to be pushing while dead.

Great video.

[feltonhill]

OK, link is now live,  Learned something today. 

Yes, it is a Class A, and you're right, it's not a Mallet (after Anatole Mallet). That term applies to 4-cylinder compound articulated locos, like the Y6 classes.  1218 is a 4-cylinder simple, no snappy short name.

[selector]

Feltonhill, thanks for posting this video.  For a steam fan, I have no idea why I haven't gotten to it sooner, so I am sorry you got no feedback or encouragement for your trouble before this.

Is this a Class A...it isn't a Mallet, clearly, so I don't know what else it could be.

BTW, if you wouldn't mind the suggestion, when you input the URL for a site like that, all you have to do immediately thereafter to activate it is to hit "enter" and it will be a live link in your  message once you hit "post".

Thanks again, and my regards to you, fellow steam guy.

-Crandell

[feltonhill]

video of 1218 returning to VMT

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1185153736/bctid1201929381