4-6-4 VS 4-8-4 is there that much differance?

[cudaken]

 Thanks Steve, I like your train room as well.

                      Ken

[icemanrulz]

Less time than you think!  Forgot I had a website already

http://coldshoulderrailroad.weebly.com/pictures.html   Not much to look at but it has some pictures.

[cudaken]

 Try Photo Bucket, looking forward to seeing the pictures.

               Ken

[icemanrulz]

Well I have pics...but now I need to host them.  So that may take some time.

[CTValleyRR]

Um, Duh!  2 drivers!  Should be obvious to anyone!

Sorry!  Couldn't resist! 

[BerkshireSteam]

How about a layout using small 15-18R curves (with easements)? Ha! confused you all.

[icemanrulz]

Working on getting some pictures this weekend.  Have house guests so not getting much "cave time".

[cudaken]

 Dang Stryker, you got it in 2 days?

 How about some pictures?

                       Cuda Ken

[Hamltnblue]

Oops forgot to warn you.

If you have the Broadway limited one there is a black piece of foam in the front between the boiler and truck that has to be removed. There is a technical bulletin on it.  If you don' remove it the front section will not move freely and derail. I found out the hard way.

Here's a link to the tech bulletin with pics of the foam.

http://www.broadway-limited.com/support/Paragon2%20Y6b%20Technical%20Bulletin.pdf

 

[icemanrulz]

 Got it! 

It handles all my turns with no problems at all.

I have 1 switch (atlas #4) that the front two wheels don't like much.

That has to be a track problem...I not the greatest at laying track... not to mention I do not have anything holding the frogs yet...

[icemanrulz]

 Hey Ken, no worries.  Beggars (me) can't be choosers.

Looks fine on a 22 to me!

Thanks

Got mine ordered!

[Hamltnblue]

The BLI Y6B wont disappoint for sure. It will work on 18 inch radius and pulls like a mule.  It's a heavy one since the boiler is made of cast and not plastic like the other BLI's.  I think the reason it tracks on tight track so well is the size of the drivers. They seem short in comparison with the other loco's mentioned. This gives it good torque but also allows the wheels to be closer and shortening the wheel base of the 2 articulated driver sections.

Here's 2 pics of mine on a 22 inch curve which isn't far off of an 18.

[cudaken]

 

1948PRR

It easily goes through #4 and snap switches and has negotiated 20" radius without a hiccup and without too much overhang. Arguably less than a Y6, given the 2 wheel trailing truck.

 1948, the Y6 b all so has a 2 wheel trailing truck. From what I have read here, the PK steam engines do not pull great. Far as deatil, one of the reasons I never bought a PK Y3. My LHS has one so I have seen one in person. It's detail seems to be lacking compared to the Y 6. It may very well be accurate, but looks a little bland when compared.    

Stryker sorry I did not get the pictures taken today. I felt like Caboose today.

         Ken

[1948PRR]

If you like the Y6, you should also consider the Proto Y3 2-8-8-2.

They are beautiful and on sale.

Mine is a first run from pre 2000, and runs fabulous.

It easily goes through #4 and snap switches and has negotiated 20" radius without a hiccup and without too much overhang. Arguably less than a Y6, given the 2 wheel trailing truck.

[icemanrulz]

 Yes!  Then when I have the money : http://www.broadway-limited.com/2145readingt14-8-4ironhorserambleexcursion2102paragon2sounddcdccho.aspx

[cudaken]

  Glad you like the Y6 picture not all of my layout is green outdoor carpet.

  I will get on the other pictures Wednesday.

  Are you going to get the Y6 b?

                  Ken 

[icemanrulz]

Then Please Do!  I am sure many other people would benifit from that also.

Thanks

 

PS  great shot!

[cudaken]

  I can all so shoot a picture of a 18" turn that does have roadbed. If the new BLI Y6 b are 3/4 of the engine my PCM is, they are great engines.

 

           Cuda Ken

[icemanrulz]

Ken,

   Thanks!

 

It looks like it hardly sticks out past where the roadbed would be.  The Y6b would work fore sure.  The hudson looks very good to me.  What is the radius on that curve? 

Wait I see you were going to shoot at your 18".  Any of these would work for me.

[cudaken]

  If you need measurements let me know.

[cudaken]

Stryker here you go.

 First a PCM Big Boy

 

 Then the PCM Y6b

 

 Next a BLI M1a 

 And a BLI Hudson

 If you need more pictures let me know.

                    Cuda Ken

[cudaken]

 Stryker If I have not posted the pictures by noon Tuesday PM me. I have been busy adding a new passing spur today. Now it is time to BBQ.

 If it will clear you will love the Y6 b

                     Ken

[icemanrulz]

That would be great  Please do!

[cudaken]

Stryker I have PCM Y6-b and from what I have been told they are the same casting as the BLI. I all so happen to have 2 18 inch tuns left. If you like, I could take a picture of the over hang for you. Where the 18 inch turns are located I normally don't see it running there.

 The Y6 really is not that big of a engine but sure pulls like one. Maybe a inch longer than a Class J.

                 Cuda Ken

[dinwitty]

You might be safe with the Y6, if you have an NMRA gauge, sweep it around your curve with issues, if it doesnt hit anything, your good to go. If you have any 85ft passenger cars, try them as a test. Because of the double hinging, the boiler front does not swing out as far, instead, the cab swings out a little further, this is more apparent on my BLI 2-6-6-4. I have the Bowser Big Boy and it has the prototypical rigid rear driver, and the boiler front swings way out on curves. Bowser says if you watch the NMRA clearance, its not an issue.

[Allegheny2-6-6-6]

 Believe it or not the better choice or should i say the one that will negotiate your curve best would be the Y6 being as has an articulated or hinged frame would work with no problem other then overhang issue. You can adjust for that by moving sign posts and telegraph poles etc. a little farther outward on curves.

It too depends on the brand of locomotive also. Some manufactures have more then one set of  flange-less wheels then others do therefor making them more "universal" if you will for all radius curves.

If you look at the product information section on BLI's website  you will see that the T1 will operate on 18" curves and the Y6B on 18" curves. So I would say it's a safe bet with either the Y6B or the Reading T1 if you so choose.

I have at present time 4 running PRR M1's very similar to the Reading T1 as far as wheel arrangement goes  and although i have a minimum radius or 34" on the pike in the one large yard being it's L shaped I have two track with 15" radius curves and the M1's will negotiate them fine at low speed (scale 5 mph) but I don't recommend it being done any faster.

[icemanrulz]

 Thanks.  I am not so worried about looks as I am about clearance.  I have over 320 feet of track and only maybe 10 feet of it is part of a "tight" turn.  You have to do what you have to do with the room...all my other turns are30 to 40+"R  Of the two turns (double main line) only the 22" plus one is seen.  The other is a hidden loop inside a mountain this is where clearance is an issue..

   I just don't like the looks of the smaller ones that much...   and I like the evil option of having smoke too.  Not to mention the awesome sound of the BLI's

[dinwitty]

4-6-4's were more for passenger runs, the 4-8-4's for freight but also hauled passenger. Engines like a 2-8-4 or 2-8-2 would be more suitable for a more mainline but smaller steam. For an articulated the Bachmann 2-6-6-2 is a good candidate, I would even run it on 15". I think the BLI Y6b can do 18".

[mobilman44]

Hi!

I've got a BLI ATSF 4-8-4 and frankly, its my favorite loco (I have well over 50).  My minimum radius where it is "allowed" on the layout is 26 inches.  It negotiates that just fine, but it is too small for realistic looking operation.  

You are asking about a 4-6-4 and a 4-8-4.  The 4-6-4 Hudson was pretty much a passenger loco with large drivers.  The 4-8-4 Northern was both passenger and freight and had large drivers as well.  Neither will look good on 22 inch curves - in my opinion of course.

Having had a layout with 22 inch curves years ago, I would suggest that you would be much happier with a 2-8-0 loco (Bachmann SPECTRUM is a very good choice) as it will look and operate much better on your layout - and cost significantly less than the big BLI locos.

Hey, for what its worth.....

Mobilman44