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Looking for another Articulated or Big Steam

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Looking for another Articulated or Big Steam
Posted by cudaken on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 3:16 PM

 It has been 3 years sines I bought a steam engine and think it is time for a new one. I am DCC and modeling HO. I want sound and there is one section left that has a 18 inch turn. It may or may not be replaced depending on a few things.

 I have been thinking about another Big Boy or Y6-b. I have one of each (they our PCM's) and love there Loksound 3.5 decoders. I have 3 BLI's steamers with QSI decoders and the PCM sound way better.

 My first pick would be a Allegheny 2-6-6-2 by Rivarossi (did I spell that right?) But I have not been able to find one on the web. Any links to where I can get one?

 Second pick would be a Bachmann USRA  2-6-6-2. Does any one have one here at the site? I have heard they are not great pullers but some snot would fix that. Main thing is sound quality and decoder speed control.

 Third would be a Challenger. If I where to buy a Challenger I would want a gray one with smoke lifters so it would not look as much like a Big Boy. I have forgot who made them, was it Athearn?

 Fourth would be a Proto 2000 USRA. My LHS has one and it looks plain. Does the Bachmann have better detail, looks like it in the photos I have seen.

 I would love a Yellow Stone (Thanks Tom) but as far as I know they only came in Brass.

 You should have a idea of the look I like. Prices range is $300 to $500 and might go $600.00 for the perfect articulated. Road name is not important but sound and motor control is so.

 Any ideas and links?   

 Cuda Ken

 

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Posted by selector on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 3:23 PM

Ken, I have a feeling one of the main HO suppliers of steam is thinking hard about a Yellowstone.

Don't forget the factory refurbished deals at BLI.  They have some Y's today and all last week.  Good deals.

I don't know about the H-8 by Rivarossi, but it seems Internet Hobbies should be able to send you one?

http://www.internethobbies.com/rihost2apoch.html

Lionel made a very nice HO Challenger, but they go for brass prices on ebay.  Otherwise, you are looking at Athearn...or MTH.

The Bachmann 2-6-6-2 is a nice engine, just released.  No reports of dissatisfaction out there yet.  Maybe in time, but not yet...

Finally, don't forget the very handsome Walthers P2K Heritage Y3 2-8-8-2.  I think modeltrainstuff would be the best place for price, but look around. (M. B. Klein's), or perhaps trainworld.com.

-Crandell

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Posted by Hamltnblue on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 3:54 PM

 I'm loving my new paragon 2 Y6b.  There's also a rivarosi big boy that is pre-weathered with sound and dcc. The weathering needs a good touch up but it's at least started.

Springfield PA

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Posted by rjake4454 on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 4:05 PM

Do you have a Class A? They are really nice, I love the whistle.

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Posted by cudaken on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 4:21 PM

  Crandell, they show the H 8 has sold out.Banged Head I will look at the Class A, but it looks a lot like the Y6-b.

 Hamltnblue, I just cannot see at this point spending $350.00 for a engine that looks like my PCM Y6-b. I am sure yours will not pull more than mine (like I need a better pulling engine) and from what I have seen on U Tube, I like the sound better of the Loksound decoder. Not that yours sound bad. Only thing I don't like my PCM is the yellow lights and the whistle.

 Most I want to pull is 20 cars up a 1.5% grade.

 Ken 

                   

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 4:57 PM

Ken,

The BLI/PCM N&W Class A is a very nice loco. While it looks a lot like a Y6b, from a prototype standpoint it is a completely different kind of loco. It is a high speed, high power loco like the C&O H8.

The H8's are great if you can find one. I wouldn't mind finding one or two more myself at the right price.

The H8 and the Class A both pull very well. I have pulled 65-70 cars up a 2% helix with each of them.

The new Spectrum 2-6-6-2 is a new VERSION, but is the same drive as their previous 2-6-6-2. I have four total, three of the earlier H5 and one of the new H4's. Mine is less DCC/sound, but my understanding is that they have fixed the decoder issues that plagued LEE with his sound equiped H5.

As for pulling power, they are not bad, but not a BLI Y6b either. But as you said, Snot will fix it.

Both the Class A and the 2-6-6-2 are good choices for your tight curve situation with their fewer drive axles and shorter rigid wheelbase.

Good luck, happy shopping.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 5:20 PM

Ken, one other note I did not say specificly, my four Bachmann 2-6-6-2's all run fine from a mechanical standpoint, so seperate from any decoder issues like LEE had, I would say they are a safe bet. Mine of course are all DC, decodeers gone, jumpers installed, motor capacitors removed and weight added to the tenders. Average price of mine - $150, current one with sound can be had for $250 - $300. And, on the off chance you get a bad one, Bachmann simply sends out another, no bothing to fix them.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by selector on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 6:23 PM

cudaken
Crandell, they show the H 8 has sold out.Banged Head

Aaach...!!  Sorry, Ken, usually their notices like that are in red font nearest their price.  I don't know why they put it nearer the top...where I wasn't looking for it.  I'll keep scouting around.

[edit] This may be current...dunno http://www.standardhobby.com/riv.html

And this one, a better price, but no sound. http://www.toytrainheaven.com/.sc/ms/cat/HO%20Locos%20Rivarossi--Steam%20Locos  Trust me, you don't want the sound version...put in your own Tsunami heavy. 

-Crandell

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Posted by UncBob on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 9:12 PM

 Go Glass A

I like the fact the front end isn't all junked up 

51% share holder in the ME&O ( Wife owns the other 49% )

ME&O

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Posted by Darth Santa Fe on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 9:48 PM

The MTH 4-12-2 is articulated!Big SmileConfused

The Lionel Challenger is currently in production, but is now sold by MTH. I think the PCM Big Boy will also be getting released by MTH eventually.

If you can find one of the Rivarossi 2-6-6-6s for a good price, I would definitely recommend getting one. I have one of the DC versions, and it is all around excellent.Big Smile Smooth running, quiet, powerful, and very highly detailed. If you can only find a DC Allegheny, I would still recommend getting it. You could install the sound system of your choice fairly easily, since it's DCC ready. A lot of them (like mine) have the PC board in the cab, so additional wires would have to be run to the tender.

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Posted by twhite on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 9:49 PM

Ken: 

Take a look at Proto's latest USRA 2-8-8-2.  No, not the N&W Y's, but the latest ones as delivered to Rio Grande and Northern Pacific.  The ones with all the nifty 'guts' hung on the front of the boiler.  I picked one up a couple of months ago at my LHS, and I couldn't be happier with it. 

Normally, I wouldn't touch Proto 2000 steam with a ten-foot pole, but this Rio Grande 3400 series 2-8-8-2 is a smooth, quiet runner--GREAT low speed control--, a pretty fair hauler, and has absolutely exquisite detail.  I use it on 25-30 car trains up my 2-2.25% long grades, and it pulls without a whimper.  If you needed a heavier hauler, you could dab a little Snot on one of the drivers, and it would probably pull the paint off of the walls. 

Mine's DC, but I've heard really good reports about the DCC model,also. 

Here's mine:

I like her.  A LOT! Tongue

Tom Big Smile

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Posted by CAZEPHYR on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 10:22 PM

selector
Ken, I have a feeling one of the main HO suppliers of steam is thinking hard about a Yellowstone.

 

Crandell

Do you know something that we missed about a possible Yellowstone?/    We certainly have asked many times for the B&O EM1 or DM&IR M3 to several companies and I hope your feeling is correct.  I don't see them making the NP 5000 class since they are much older. 

MTH just keeping kicking out new products almost monthly but their prices seem to be higher overall than the competition. 

 CZ

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Posted by doctorwayne on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 10:58 PM

cudaken
Most I want to pull is 20 cars up a 1.5% grade.

 

Ken, this Mogul can do that:

Unfortunately, it's neither articulated nor DCC-equipped. Smile,Wink, & Grin

I have one of the older Bachmann 2-6-6-2s, but the rear engine is currently at NWSL, looking for gears.  Sigh

Wayne

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Posted by rjake4454 on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 11:24 PM

CZ, do you know of any recordings of the EM1, I always wondered what the true whislte sounded like. I've heard Lionel's, as impressive as it sounds, I doubt its close to the real whistle.

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Posted by nbrodar on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 11:33 PM

 How about BLI's new Reading T1 4-8-4 release.

 Nick

Take a Ride on the Reading with the: Reading Company Technical & Historical Society http://www.readingrailroad.org/

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Posted by selector on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 11:40 PM

No, CZ, I just closed my eyes really tightly and willed it to happen. Laugh  It's as good as gold.  Watch for a summer 2011 release.  Not sure if it will be MTH or BLI.  I can tell you they'd sell every one before the ship left to go get them.

-Crandell

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Posted by cudaken on Thursday, May 6, 2010 6:39 AM

  Well, If I can find one in SP colors I am going with the Bachmann H-4. I still waiting for the funds to be released so it depends on what is a available. Plus I am waiting on a slow payer HO Yard Sale, two weeks now! 

 I might get a Class A in there are any left when I get my money.

 Thanks for all the kind answers.

                     Cuda Ken

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Posted by Isambard on Thursday, May 6, 2010 7:27 PM

I have had two Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2's on the Grizzly Northern for several years, both usually operating like Swiss watches, despite a lot of handling between home and the club. One is without sound (82601) and one with sound (84801). The sound equipped one lacks a bit of bass to provide a nice deep woof, but my sounds demands are not great - I frequently run it without sound.

What are the physical differences, exterior and interior, and the sound/decoder  differences between my two earlier releases and the new release?  

Isambard

Grizzly Northern history, Tales from the Grizzly and news on line at  isambard5935.blogspot.com 

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, May 6, 2010 9:11 PM

Isambard

I have had two Bachmann Spectrum 2-6-6-2's on the Grizzly Northern for several years, both usually operating like Swiss watches, despite a lot of handling between home and the club. One is without sound (82601) and one with sound (84801). The sound equipped one lacks a bit of bass to provide a nice deep woof, but my sounds demands are not great - I frequently run it without sound.

What are the physical differences, exterior and interior, and the sound/decoder  differences between my two earlier releases and the new release?  

The orignal releases, which you have, are USRA 2-6-6-2's, which is also known on the C&O as an H5.

The new model is a C&O H4, it has a different tender, the H4 tender is a C&O vanderbilt design.

The H4 also has slide valves on the front (low presure) cylinders, a different cab and some other small detail differences.

Mechanically the models are both the same, but the new H4 does have a different lighting/interface circuit board unlike any previous Bachmann model.

I do not have a sound version and I do not use DCC, so I can't really speak to any differences regarding DCC or sound.

I have three of the earlier version as well as one of the new H4. All four run well and pull well in my opinion. Two of my H5's have been converted to Bachmann long vanderbilt tenders and lettered for my ATLANTIC CENTRAL. I have added weight to all the tenders.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by Allegheny2-6-6-6 on Thursday, May 6, 2010 11:23 PM

 Well if you wanna go big why not go all the way? One of my favorites the old Erie Triplex one heck of a great locomotive not to mention a great conversation piece when your friends see smoke coming from the tender.   

http://www.mthtrains.com/content/80-3113-1

 





Or you could go with a nice brass H8 if you have an extra $1000 or so laying around........lol

Just my 2 cents worth, I spent the rest on trains. If you choked a Smurf what color would he turn?
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Posted by CB&Q Modeler on Thursday, May 6, 2010 11:31 PM

The Bachmann 2-6-6-2 did not of course come lettered SP but wishing for something similar to the Verde Tunnel &Smelter MM3 I found the new H4 to be  close'nuf for a stand in. 

 

 

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Posted by cudaken on Friday, May 7, 2010 6:27 AM

  CB&O, that explains it! Rattled PM me your pictures and a link to I believe your video. I have been looking for a SP version now for a few days! Banged Head Now I know why I could not find one! Whistling

  My LHS does not have any H 4's. How long is the engine, then engine and tender?

            Cuda Ken

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Posted by Isambard on Saturday, May 8, 2010 3:01 PM

Having said that my two 2-6-6-2's usually run like Swiss watches I' have to admit that one now has a loud ticking sound coming from the front engine (that does not appear to be due to wipers catching on spokes), mainly occuring in foward and sometimes in reverse.

Suspecting the gearing, I've managed to lift the bottom plate assembly and the middle driver just enough to rotate the middle driver axle and gear in relation to the worm, without much change in the ticking behavior. I've not been able to remove the bottom plate assembly completely as something appears to be restraining it, perhaps the wiring to the assembly, but can't see enough underneath, and don't want to use force and damage it.

Suggestions welcomed!

Isambard

Grizzly Northern history, Tales from the Grizzly and news on line at  isambard5935.blogspot.com 

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 8, 2010 3:26 PM

Isambard

Having said that my two 2-6-6-2's usually run like Swiss watches I' have to admit that one now has a loud ticking sound coming from the front engine (that does not appear to be due to wipers catching on spokes), mainly occuring in foward and sometimes in reverse.

Suspecting the gearing, I've managed to lift the bottom plate assembly and the middle driver just enough to rotate the middle driver axle and gear in relation to the worm, without much change in the ticking behavior. I've not been able to remove the bottom plate assembly completely as something appears to be restraining it, perhaps the wiring to the assembly, but can't see enough underneath, and don't want to use force and damage it.

Suggestions welcomed!

Check the side rods and main rods! It is real easy for the main rods and crosshead guides to get bent inward causing the main rods to hit the crank pin of the next driver forward, causing a clicking sound and making the loco run rough.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by cudaken on Saturday, May 8, 2010 3:42 PM

  I had the same sound in a BLI M1A, it was a cracked center tower gear. First steam engine I took apart. Did not feel like waiting 2 months for warranty repair.

  OK, as of now the Blue Line Big Boy is out. Jim from the site brought over his BB Blue Line. Neither him or I could get the engine wiring plugged into the tender. On the PCM version the socket is out side of the tender, not deep inside of the tender like the Blue Line.

  In the running for right now.

  Bachmann H-4

  Lionel Challenger, gray with smoke lifters. (found one at a fair prices)

  Athearn Challenger, if it does not have the MRC decoder. Need to make another phone call.

  Class A by BLI

               Cuda Ken

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Posted by Isambard on Saturday, May 8, 2010 8:08 PM

My first check was to see if the side and main rods and valve gear were interfereing, but nothing found there, all clearances as they should be static and running.

Still would like to get that bottom plate off without breaking anything.

Isambard

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Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Saturday, May 8, 2010 8:41 PM

Isambard

My first check was to see if the side and main rods and valve gear were interfereing, but nothing found there, all clearances as they should be static and running.

Still would like to get that bottom plate off without breaking anything.

I have had several Spectrum 2-6-6-2's apart. The only way to get the bottom plate off is to completely disassemble the loco, because the pickup wires go up through each engine, holding the bottom pate inplace with no slack.

So, to get each engine apart, you must remove the boiler top, disconnect all the wiring on the top of the boiler weight, remove the top boiler weight exposing the drive line, only then can you remove each drive engine from the lower frame and remove the bottom plate.

Sheldon

    

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Posted by CB&Q Modeler on Saturday, May 8, 2010 8:54 PM

The H4 Is 15-1/4 inchs long over the coupler faces  Engine is 9-1/2 inchs from the back wall of the cab to the front coupler face Tender Is 6 1/4 inchs from the rear coupler face to the front tender steps.

Variation cause by the engine to tender spacing i guess. 

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Posted by doctorwayne on Saturday, May 8, 2010 9:13 PM

Re the Bachmann 2-6-6-2:  If I recall correctly, the bottom cover plate is somewhat retained in place by the wires from the wheel pick-ups.  Unless you're repairing the wires or wish to drop the drivers, there's not much reason to remove it.  You can inspect the gears by removing the side cover from the gearbox - of course, the engine in question will need to be removed from the loco first. Wink

A couple of years ago, I bought one of the original Bachmann 2-6-6-2s, used, at my LHS.  The loco ran well both on the store layout, and again when I brought it home.  However, since I had a lot of other projects on the go, it was left in its box until early this year.  With the thought of finally beginning some alterations to this loco, I got it out and decided to do some tests to see how well it would pull.  It certainly needs to have some modifications made to improve it in this area, but, while running it around the layout to see if there were any issues with clearances, it suddenly quit moving while on a grade.  A quick look showed the drivers of only the lead engine turning, apparently with insufficient power to drag the loco and its non-turning rear engine up the remainder of the grade.

Upon dis-assembly, this is what I found:

There are teeth missing from the small part of the compound gear and from the gear which it drives, and there is some damage to the gear on the driver axle, too.  This leads me to believe that the loco may have been lubricated with a non-plastic-compatible oil.  After considerable on-line conversation with NWSL, I forwarded the complete engine shown, with its side cover, to NWSL.  While I've yet to hear back from them, I'm hoping that they either have replacement gears available or that they will have them available, preferably soon.  If anybody else here is having gear problems with their Bachmann 2-6-6-2, please contact NWSL at:   davidry@osorail.com

The more demand that there is for gears, the better the chance is of having them become available.  I did contact Bachmann, and was informed that they had no parts available for this loco.

Wayne

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Posted by Isambard on Saturday, May 8, 2010 10:31 PM

Hmmm, after looking at the photo  and reading your's and Sheldon's messages I've become less enthusiastic about getting a look at the gearing. It's more complicated than I had thought. After a bit more tinkering with the alignment of the rods and valve gear here at home the loco is quieter. I think I'll hold off further action and see what happens with further running at the club.

Thanks all.

Isambard

Isambard

Grizzly Northern history, Tales from the Grizzly and news on line at  isambard5935.blogspot.com 

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