Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

If not a Big Boy, then what do you suggest?

12004 views
67 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 3,006 posts
If not a Big Boy, then what do you suggest?
Posted by ACY Tom on Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:05 PM

The Big Boy thread prompted the question.  I agree with the respondent who said some of the comments (mine included) were negative.  So let's be positive.  What do we want?

Some suggestions:

1.  BLI could possibly offer their forthcoming T&P 2-10-4 in a Chicago Great Western version.  Or maybe an aftermarket producer could offer a modification kit to allow a modeler to make the mods himself.

2.  A B&LE/DM&IR/CB&Q 2-10-4.  If properly designed from the beginning, it would be possible for this engine to be offered in several of its variations.

3.  Lima A-1 2-8-4.  Variations could be offered for B&A, B&M, IC, and secondhand units on the SP and ATSF.  Again, this presumes that the model engine is designed from the beginning to allow for these variations.

4. D&H/CRI&P/MILW/SP GS-2/WP/Cof Ga 4-8-4  (Model Railroader Cyc. No. 1, drawings 106,109 & 112). The running gear and boiler are about the same, but details vary.  Unless I'm mistaken, the SOO 4-8-4's were close too.  These variations could be accommodated by designing these options into the models from the start.

There is an opportunity for aftermarket manufacturers to produce modification kits that would give us some other specific prototypes, based on commercially available generic models, such as USRA's.  GHQ has made this work in N scale.

Tom

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 618 posts
Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:22 PM

I would like to see the DMIR Yellowstone. The 2-10-4 would be another one I would like to see. 

  • Member since
    May 2004
  • 7,500 posts
Posted by 7j43k on Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:30 PM

Since Athearn is doing the NP/SP&S Z-8, I'd like them to do follow-on NP/SP&S/GN Z-6's.

 

 

 

Ed

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • From: Potomac Yard
  • 2,767 posts
Posted by NittanyLion on Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:43 PM

I would like a B&LE Texan

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 95 posts
Posted by Burlington Steam on Thursday, July 16, 2015 6:58 PM

If we are in fact speaking articulateds in plastic with sound and DCC here I think the DRGW L105 4-6-6-4 Challenger would be a popular choice.

DRGW standard gauge being a road of choice for many modelers.

 

  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: California & Maine
  • 3,848 posts
Posted by andrechapelon on Thursday, July 16, 2015 7:06 PM

ACY

The Big Boy thread prompted the question.  I agree with the respondent who said some of the comments (mine included) were negative.  So let's be positive.  What do we want?

Some suggestions:

1.  BLI could possibly offer their forthcoming T&P 2-10-4 in a Chicago Great Western version.  Or maybe an aftermarket producer could offer a modification kit to allow a modeler to make the mods himself.

2.  A B&LE/DM&IR/CB&Q 2-10-4.  If properly designed from the beginning, it would be possible for this engine to be offered in several of its variations.

3.  Lima A-1 2-8-4.  Variations could be offered for B&A, B&M, IC, and secondhand units on the SP and ATSF.  Again, this presumes that the model engine is designed from the beginning to allow for these variations.

4. D&H/CRI&P/MILW/SP GS-2/WP/Cof Ga 4-8-4  (Model Railroader Cyc. No. 1, drawings 106,109 & 112). The running gear and boiler are about the same, but details vary.  Unless I'm mistaken, the SOO 4-8-4's were close too.  These variations could be accommodated by designing these options into the models from the start.

There is an opportunity for aftermarket manufacturers to produce modification kits that would give us some other specific prototypes, based on commercially available generic models, such as USRA's.  GHQ has made this work in N scale.

Tom

 

You're still making the mistake of choosing relatively large power rather than more layout friendly small to medium sized power  ( 2-6-0, 2-6-2, 2-8-0, 4-6-0, light 4-6-2 smaller than USRA).

examples: 2-6-0 - Wabash F-4, SP M-4 or M -6

2-6-2 - Santa Fe 1050 class, NP T-1, Milwaukee K-1

2-8-0 - Santa Fe 1950 class, SP C-8/9/10 and UP variants (Harriman Standard), NYC G-46, Southern Ks-1

4-6-0 - SP T-28/31/32, C&NW R-1, Cotton Belt G-1

4-6-2 - Santa Fe 1226 class, SP P-4, NYC K-11, MEC C-3

 Andre

It's really kind of hard to support your local hobby shop when the nearest hobby shop that's worth the name is a 150 mile roundtrip.
  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 2,616 posts
Posted by peahrens on Thursday, July 16, 2015 7:09 PM

An HO UP correct 4-6-2 pacific, please.

Paul

Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent

  • Member since
    August 2003
  • From: Collinwood, Ohio, USA
  • 16,367 posts
Posted by gmpullman on Thursday, July 16, 2015 7:36 PM

Thanks for asking, Tom

    Two of my wants & wishes would be for a New York Central  K-3 or K-5b or K-11 Pacific. One of the classes with a nice, big, Elesco feedwater heater on her forehead would be frosting on the cake! P&LE, B&A, and Big Four versions could be produced, too.

http://www.railarchive.net/nyccollection/nyc4933.htm

Second would be a Nickel Plate Hudson either the L-1a or L-1b

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=351284&nseq=1

Both are sweet, high-stepping, versatile locomotives that I feel would fill a void in that weight/size class.

Happy Steaming, Ed

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:13 PM

andrechapelon

 

 
ACY

The Big Boy thread prompted the question.  I agree with the respondent who said some of the comments (mine included) were negative.  So let's be positive.  What do we want?

Some suggestions:

1.  BLI could possibly offer their forthcoming T&P 2-10-4 in a Chicago Great Western version.  Or maybe an aftermarket producer could offer a modification kit to allow a modeler to make the mods himself.

2.  A B&LE/DM&IR/CB&Q 2-10-4.  If properly designed from the beginning, it would be possible for this engine to be offered in several of its variations.

3.  Lima A-1 2-8-4.  Variations could be offered for B&A, B&M, IC, and secondhand units on the SP and ATSF.  Again, this presumes that the model engine is designed from the beginning to allow for these variations.

4. D&H/CRI&P/MILW/SP GS-2/WP/Cof Ga 4-8-4  (Model Railroader Cyc. No. 1, drawings 106,109 & 112). The running gear and boiler are about the same, but details vary.  Unless I'm mistaken, the SOO 4-8-4's were close too.  These variations could be accommodated by designing these options into the models from the start.

There is an opportunity for aftermarket manufacturers to produce modification kits that would give us some other specific prototypes, based on commercially available generic models, such as USRA's.  GHQ has made this work in N scale.

Tom

 

 

 

You're still making the mistake of choosing relatively large power rather than more layout friendly small to medium sized power  ( 2-6-0, 2-6-2, 2-8-0, 4-6-0, light 4-6-2 smaller than USRA).

examples: 2-6-0 - Wabash F-4, SP M-4 or M -6

2-6-2 - Santa Fe 1050 class, NP T-1, Milwaukee K-1

2-8-0 - Santa Fe 1950 class, SP C-8/9/10 and UP variants (Harriman Standard), NYC G-46, Southern Ks-1

4-6-0 - SP T-28/31/32, C&NW R-1, Cotton Belt G-1

4-6-2 - Santa Fe 1226 class, SP P-4, NYC K-11, MEC C-3

 Andre

 

Andre is right - see, its like this, if you look up the numbers, everything bigger than a 2-8-2 was relatively rare.

Among articulated locos, the 2-6-6-2 with 1,300 examples is the winner. Few other articulated wheel arrangements were represented by more than a few hundred copies each. 2-8-8-2's migh have been close to a 1,000 total.

Here are some numbers - names and wheel arrangements for any nubies

2-8-4 Bershire - 750

2-10-4 Texas - 450

2-10-2 Santa Fe - 2,200

4-6-4 Hudson - only 500

4-8-4 Northerns - barely 1,000

4-8-2 Mountain - pretty prolific for a big engine at 2,400 (the ATLANTIC CENTRAL has 9 of them)

4-10-2 Overland - 69

Now for the popular wheel arrangements:

2-8-0 Consolidation - 33,000, yes 33,000

4-6-0 10 wheeler - 17,000

2-8-2 Mikado - 14,000

2-6-0 Mogal - 11,000

4-4-0 American - 25,000

4-6-2 Pacific - 6,800

So even in the days of post war steam, a trip down to the tracks was likely to yield what? a view of a Big Boy? or, more likely, a 2-8-0, 2-8-2, 4-6-0 or 4-6-2 - just like the odds in Vegas.

One of the largest railroads of the steam era never owned a 4-8-4 or a 2-8-4, and while they had a nice fleet of articulated locos, the only rigid wheel base locos bigger than a 4-8-2 was their fleet of 2-10-2's - the B&O - but they owned 610 2-8-2's.

Sheldon 

    

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: SE Michigan
  • 922 posts
Posted by fmilhaupt on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:14 PM
  • C&O J3a 4-8-4 (#614, naturally)

  • NYC H-5T 2-8-2 (similar to ones used on other roads, as well)

  • N&W/C&O 0-8-0 (C&O Class C-16)

  • Harriman 2-8-2

  • C&NW R-1 4-6-0

-Fritz Milhaupt, Publications Editor, Pere Marquette Historical Society, Inc.
http://www.pmhistsoc.org

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:18 PM

I would like to see a B&M accurate 2-6-0 (B-15), and a MEC accurate 4-6-0 (the O class version with inside valve gear).

  • Member since
    April 2011
  • From: About 20 minutes from IRM
  • 430 posts
Posted by CGW121 on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:50 PM

I would like to see am EJ&E Baldwin center cab, both as delivered and after the EMD rebuild. The other would be a Mckeen motor car.

 

  • Member since
    December 2008
  • From: Heart of Georgia
  • 5,406 posts
Posted by Doughless on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:56 PM

Does any manufacturer currently produce a decent 2-6-2, even a generic one?

- Douglas

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • 95 posts
Posted by Burlington Steam on Thursday, July 16, 2015 8:59 PM

Think your all missing the point here......small while much more practical is boring to us manly man types .........big as Tim Allen said is MORE POWER!!!!!ARRRRRGH!!!

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • 3,006 posts
Posted by ACY Tom on Thursday, July 16, 2015 9:21 PM

The point about smaller power is very well taken.  Back in 1958 and 1959, my dad would take me down to the B&O roundhouse in town.  The railroaders were very welcoming, and I was allowed to play on the last steam engine in town: Not a big Mallet, but a Q-4 2-8-2.  The world was different then.  I'm currently negotiating a purchase/trade to acquire three locos for my own collection: a 2-6-0 and two 2-8-0's.  And my most recent purchase was another 2-8-0, so I cetainly have no objection to smaller power.  My suggestions were just to get the ball rolling. 

I believe a good Harriman 2-8-0 (57" drivers, please) would be popular.  Same for a Harriman 2-8-2.  I also believe somebody would do well to offer aftermarket mod kits for the Walthers USRA 0-6-0 and 0-8-0.  Lots of possibilities there, including a WWII era version of the military 0-6-0, which found favor on a lot of US industrial and short lines. 

As for diesels, the F-M H20-44 wore two demonstrator schemes and was used in fairly large numbers by PRR, NYC, IHB, and P&WV (and later, N&W), as well as AC&Y, UP, and SW Portland Cement.  Then there's the Lima switcher.  Neither of these has been done as a R-T-R model.

For narrow gauge, I suspect there would be a market for an HOn3 ET&WNC 4-6-0 or an EBT 2-8-2.  Nobody has ever seriously tried to open that market, AFAIK.

Getting back to big power, the WM and D&RGW L-105 Baldwin 4-6-6-4's were based on the same design, so there is another opportunity to cover two roads with one basic design (with appropriate detail variations).  Two geographical market areas, too.

And let's not forget the other Van Sweringen Berkshires.  Those of L&N, W&LE, and Erie used very similar boilers and running gear to the many NKP and C&O based models currently available.  Reruns with appropriate detail changes might be a cost-effective way to get more mileage out of established basic model designs.

Tom

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Carmichael, CA
  • 8,055 posts
Posted by twhite on Thursday, July 16, 2015 9:47 PM

Burlington Steam

If we are in fact speaking articulateds in plastic with sound and DCC here I think the DRGW L105 4-6-6-4 Challenger would be a popular choice.

DRGW standard gauge being a road of choice for many modelers.

 

 

 

For my money, THE most beautiful Challenger ever built.  Period!  Well, along with the Alco Z-6,7 and 8's of the NP/SP&S.  But those Baldwin-built Rio Grande 3700's were big, long, heavy, fast and POWERFUL!  105,000 lbs of tractive effort put the more popular Union Pacific version in the shade.  They were versatile.  Originally designed for the Utah Lines between Ogden and Grand Junction, Colorado, they were fast enough for expidited freights and powerful enough for Rio Grande's difficult Rocky mountain 2-state profile.  There are photos of them hauling freight on the 3% grades of Tennessee Pass looking no more overworked than they do on the flat-lands of the Utah deserts or the long up-and-down profile of the Front Range line between Denver and Pueblo.  The Grande loved them.  When they tried to get more during WWII, the design was frozen and they ended up with half a dozen UP clones, which were about as successful on Rio Grande's difficult profile as a tricycle pumping up Pikes Peak. 

Several importers have made the 105's in brass, but as yet, none in plastic.  It wouldn't be just like sticking "Rio Grande" on a UP and calling it "done", it would have to be built from the ground up.  But with what I've seen as a growing interest in Rio Grande STANDARD GAUGE steam, it might be worth the try.  Athearn, how about it?  You're already making plans to do the NP Z-8, why not squeeze out a 105 with a couple of tweaks of the dies, lol?  My two Westside brass 105 babies could use some company. 

Tom

  • Member since
    January 2009
  • From: Maryland
  • 12,897 posts
Posted by ATLANTIC CENTRAL on Thursday, July 16, 2015 9:58 PM

ACY
And let's not forget the other Van Sweringen Berkshires.  Those of L&N, W&LE, and Erie used very similar boilers and running gear to the many NKP and C&O based models currently available.  Reruns with appropriate detail changes might be a cost-effective way to get more mileage out of established basic model designs.

And the Virginian Berks - identical to the NKP and C&O locos except for a third steam/sand dome configuration - why has no one done that loco?

Sheldon

    

  • Member since
    November 2013
  • 618 posts
Posted by DAVID FORTNEY on Thursday, July 16, 2015 9:59 PM

I would also like to see the UP H7 or how about the SF 2-10-10-2 with the whale back tender, now that would be something. 

The only articulates owned by the NYC were 2-6-6-2, how about them. 

  • Member since
    October 2011
  • 276 posts
Posted by MARTIN STATION on Thursday, July 16, 2015 10:05 PM

Even though I'm in N scale I would like to see a really nice mogal 2-6-0 for a small switching layout in HO, kind of like what Brakie has done. I have always been impressed with what he was able to do in such a small space and I think the 2-6-0 would be perfect for that.

Ralph

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • From: Omaha, NE
  • 10,621 posts
Posted by dehusman on Thursday, July 16, 2015 10:13 PM

A camelback 2-8-0, actually a camelback boiler that would fit on the Bachmann or Roundhouse mechanisms.  That way we could have a 4-4-0 or 4-6-0 or a 4-4-0, 2-6-0 or 2-8-0.  All plausible arrangements.

Yes why would we want a smaller engine that actually worked for 30 or 40 years and were the backbone of the US railroad system when whe could have one of those big prima donna engines that couldn't run on half the layouts and were generally obsolete when built or within a decade of being built.

Dave H. Painted side goes up. My website : wnbranch.com

  • Member since
    August 2013
  • From: Richmond, VA
  • 1,890 posts
Posted by carl425 on Thursday, July 16, 2015 10:34 PM

N&W Class M 4-8-0

If the models were available, I'd be in the early 1900's.

I have the right to remain silent.  By posting here I have given up that right and accept that anything I say can and will be used as evidence to critique me.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 10,582 posts
Posted by mlehman on Thursday, July 16, 2015 10:46 PM

So many Mikados. So few models.Sad

ACY
For narrow gauge, I suspect there would be a market for an HOn3 ET&WNC 4-6-0 or an EBT 2-8-2. Nobody has ever seriously tried to open that market, AFAIK.

Depends on your definition of serious, Tom. Both have been available in brass and IIRC both were included on the several motive power surveys Blackstone did a few years back. The Tweetsie will likely remain pretty marginal, gone too soon for people to even remember back in the 60s.

The EBT was still running until recently and had a very modelable operation. The big problem was all those hoppers, which Blackstone solved. They've been selling somewhat slower than Colorado stuff, but I think it's been a boon to EBT fans. The brass Mikes usually fetch good prices and the motorcar can be hard to find at a reasonable cost. I lost several auctions trying to acquire one back when I could still afford brass when really needed. Whether this will ever translate into a mass market model loco, the best chance woul be a conversion of a Blackstone, but this will likely be a DIY project.

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

  • Member since
    July 2013
  • From: Stagecoach Nevada
  • 496 posts
Posted by crhostler61 on Thursday, July 16, 2015 11:02 PM

Yeah...I'm just UP'ed out. I live in UP country very near the ex-SP Overland route. And I see them everyday along I80. The real 4014 will definitely be a sight when finished...though.

There are a few locomotives I would like to see as something other than brass. BLI, Bachmann, eh...or maybe MTH. Probably have to take out a second on my house to buy an MTH. Laugh

Reading K1  2-10-2

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/tr_rdg3016.jpg

DMIR  2-8-8-4

Western Maryland 4-6-6-4

Delaware and Hudson 4-6-6-4

Western Maryland 4-8-4

There are others...this was just a start.

Mark H

 

Modeling in HO...Reading and Conrail together in an alternate history. 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Farmington, NM
  • 383 posts
Posted by -E-C-Mills on Thursday, July 16, 2015 11:49 PM

We need a new D&SL 2-6-6-0, a smaller articulated locomotive thats going to look ok on 24" (HO) curves.  But not a logging locomotive.  It was used on mountain mainline service for 3 decades.

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 10,582 posts
Posted by mlehman on Friday, July 17, 2015 1:45 AM

-E-C-Mills
We need a new D&SL 2-6-6-0, a smaller articulated locomotive thats going to look ok on 24" (HO) curves. But not a logging locomotive. It was used on mountain mainline service for 3 decades.

Yeah, good idea. And how about a Rio Grande C-48? I would really like to see Blackstone do that as their first standard gauge engine, which will happen eventually.

Mike Lehman

Urbana, IL

  • Member since
    August 2011
  • 805 posts
Posted by narrow gauge nuclear on Friday, July 17, 2015 2:42 AM

The first brass loco I ever bought new was United's D&SL 2-6-6-0.  A beautiful model and good runner on my older DC layout of the 70's.

Now that I am in HOn3, I liked the long front on the old D&SL so much that I am planning to bash one of my several Blackstone K-27s to a special MOW train engine.  I hope to extend the front beam and pilot wheels to mount a large pivoted, movable work light low on the extension which will double as a large running light on my Paradox Uravan and Placerville road.

 

Richard

If I can't fix it, I can fix it so it can't be fixed

  • Member since
    February 2015
  • From: Ludington, MI
  • 1,857 posts
Posted by Water Level Route on Friday, July 17, 2015 8:25 AM
I would like to see a 4-4-2 model, preferably in NYC lettering. Generic would do.

Mike

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,264 posts
Posted by CAZEPHYR on Friday, July 17, 2015 8:34 AM

ATLANTIC CENTRAL
 
ACY
And let's not forget the other Van Sweringen Berkshires.  Those of L&N, W&LE, and Erie used very similar boilers and running gear to the many NKP and C&O based models currently available.  Reruns with appropriate detail changes might be a cost-effective way to get more mileage out of established basic model designs.

 

And the Virginian Berks - identical to the NKP and C&O locos except for a third steam/sand dome configuration - why has no one done that loco?

Sheldon

 

The tenders were different also.

 

RR

Moderator
  • Member since
    May 2009
  • From: Waukesha, WI
  • 1,764 posts
Posted by Steven Otte on Friday, July 17, 2015 9:36 AM

An early Consolidation. Or any other early steamer with a Belpaire firebox.

--
Steven Otte, Model Railroader senior associate editor
sotte@kalmbach.com

  • Member since
    August 2006
  • From: Franconia, NH
  • 3,130 posts
Posted by dstarr on Friday, July 17, 2015 10:13 AM

BMMECNYC

I would like to see a B&M accurate 2-6-0 (B-15), and a MEC accurate 4-6-0 (the O class version with inside valve gear).

 

Actually, the old IHC 2-6-0 isn't a bad stand in for the B15.  Here is the IHC model,

A

.And here is the old brass PFM model B15.

The IHC (now out of business, but still reasonably available) is pretty close.  It lacks the distinctive swelled boiler of the B15, the bell is in the wrong place (an easy fix), but it's not a bad standin. 

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!