I have in hand a "foobie" roadname version of a N&W Y6b, and I want to convert it to an NP prototype (or possibly GN). I am curious as to thoughts on what NP 2-8-8-2 is pretty close to the same dimensions, wheel diameters, etc. of a Y6b. This one has kind of an unfortunate glacier green attempt for a paint job.
Walthers has a model of NP Z-4 4500 coming out in HO scale, but what I found handy here was their write-up copy... "Purpose-built and too large for most roads, only 80 USRA 2-8-8-2s were ordered for three coal-hauling roads: N&W, Clinchfield, and Virginian. While N&W liked their new class Y-3s, the other roads were less than enthusiastic. Virginian flatly refused the five it had been allocated, which were then sold to the N&W. Before the year was out however, the USRA ousted the road's president and 20 were delivered as class USA. Clinchfield took 10 of the new class L-2 engines, which were on a par with its own L-1 2-8-8-2s. "After USRA control ended in 1920, copies of its designs were built for some years to come. Improved versions of the 2-8-8-2 were ordered in 1923, including 15 for the Virginian (class USB), 10 for the Clinchfield (class L-3), 10 for Rio Grande (class L-107) who assigned them to Utah coal service, four for the NP (class Z-4), and another 30 for the N&W. Only N&W continued to improve on the design, eventually leading to its superb Y6b. Perhaps the best testament to the success of the USRA 2-8-8-2 was its long years of service, with many handling heavy freight and switching service into the 1950s - some N&W engines were still active as late as 1958!"
Well, the thing I am proposing to modify is a foobied up GN version of Rivarossi's N scale Y6b. I knew right away it wasn't a likely version since I believe all big GN 2-8-8-2s had Belpaire fireboxes. Also, I find the colors kind of unfortunate, so I thought I'd just strip it, detail it how I want, and re-paint it. I got it from a friend who long ago changed scales. The foam in the package went evil and wrecked the finish, anyway, so since I am re-painting... Adam
http://www.steamlocomotive.com/chesapeake/?page=nw Y6b: 57" drivers, 15'9" wheelbase each set, 58' overall engine wheelbase, 39x32/25x32 cylinders. Can't say how accurate the model's dimensions are. http://www.steamlocomotive.com/chesapeake/?page=np All 57" drivers, at least. The Z4 is significantly longer (62' overall wheelbase), the others slightly shorter. The Z4 has the same cylinder size as the Y6b. The others are at least compounds (compare my post in the GN thread). However, compare the overall weights. Even the Z4 is distinctly less than a Y6, the others a lot less. This suggests the boiler of the N&W engine may be too large for the NP engines.
