Since I am one of the few fans of N&W diesels, can anyone help me find out what kind of power the N&W would have used in the days of steam?
No expert, but I can start with some simple information. What did the N&W have for freight steam power? 2-8-8-2s, 2-6-6-4s, 2-6-6-2s, 4-8-0s and 2-8-0s. As I remember, the last 2-8-0s were withdrawn before the first diesels arrived, and I rarely see photos of them. 4-8-0s were used on branchlines, among other things. The N&W not having 2-8-2s, these engines must have been its all-purpose locomotive... for light work. I recall that older 2-8-8-2s were often used on mine runs. What were the Z-series 2-6-6-2s used for? C&O favoring 2-6-6-2s for mine runs, these would be natural candidates (that and the fact the N&W didn't have many options), but all I can remember is that they were used as helpers late in their lives, and I'm not even sure of that.
I have a coworker who is in the N&W historical society and is a steam fan. He reports that at least in West Virginia they used 2-8-8-2 Mallets up until the Dieselization, and "smaller stuff" earlier. I can get more detail on "smaller stuff" if you like, but would need some context for questions (years, locales, etc. )
Thanks! Now how many of these are in N scale, because I now at least the Y3's are. I may model the N&W in Kentucky, and also the Virginian in West Virginia (both in May 1954), and I may put the Southern in Kentucky or Virginia also in 54'. All of these will be on the same layout, but with different locos, and cars.
Just a wild guess, but I would imagine Micro-Trains 33' hoppers would be a good fit, followed by MDC/Roundhouse 40' hoppers... Harold
For the Virginian, I may use 3-bays, until I can get some 55 ton cars, but after that I may also run power from the post-merger period to justify them, but for the N&W I'll more than likely use Athearn coal cars.
In later years (40s to 1960?) the Z class was used, then older Y class 2-8-8-2s. The last run in May 1960 was a Y6b out of Williamson ... on a mine run.
