The big missing workhorse steamer thats wanted

[up1950s]

Almost all the USRA loco's were done . I think the light mountain and light mike haven't been done . But what I would really like to see is that Russian already . What is the particular workhorse steamer that would pop your valve ?

[Mark5]

Bachmann did the USRA light mountain. Pretty sure the MP Mike is a USRA light.

I'd buy a Russian in WM. ;D

[Ed Kapuscinski]

A Pennsy consol. No question. While I'd like an H6 (I think they're cooler than the larger ones), I'd take an H8, 9 or 10.

A PRR switcher like a B6 would be useful too.


But I think the REAL needed engine is a good ten-wheeler, like Bachmann had been promising.

[3rdrail]

A "lawnmower" Decapod. These were the American version of the "Russian" Decapod, built in the 1920's and 1930's for a fair number of railroads. Definitely not a one-railroad engine. Used by the SAL, ACL, ATSF (from KCM&O), SL-SF, and many larger short lines such as the MD&S, GF&A, GM, D&S. As a matter of fact, the only locomotives built in 1933 were a couple of "lawnmower" Decapods for the Durham & Southern.

Here's one on the Gainesville Midland:



Much better proportioned than the "Russian" IMHO.

[keystonecrossings]

Now, Ed, what are you going to do with a Pennsy H-class in 1986?

Hmmm, there must still be a chance to assimilate you into the Borg of Pennsy!!!

[up1950s]

"lawnmower" Decapod. These were the American version of the "Russian" Decapod"

Never knew of that , thanks .

[3rdrail]

"lawnmower" Decapod. These were the American version of the "Russian" Decapod"

Never knew of that , thanks .

Richie, the "lawnmower" designation was because they were used on weedgrown branch lines and the five drivers and rods thrashing through the weeds looked like a reel lawnmower.  ;D ;D ;D

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Gregg
Do you consider Strasburg's 90 (of Great Western heritage) one of these? If so, I'd LOVE one of them too.


Jerry, you should know by now that I'd love some PRR steam! I'd love to do some pre-war PRR steam stuff, but you know how easy THAT is in N...

[brokemoto]

A higher drivered 'modern' ten-wheeler; sixty six to seventy two inch drivers.  Bachpersonn did two in HO, one had sixty-three inch drivers, the other fifty-six or fifty-eight (I forget exactly).  Rumour was that the N scale was going to be the sixty-three inch drivered version.  That would be a little low drivered for my wants, but I would accept it.  Fifty six or fifty-eight inches would be decidedly too small for me, unless it were a late 1870s/1880s/early 1890s ten wheeler.

The N scale USRA done:

0-6-0:  Bachpersonn Standard Line
0-8-0:  WKW, announced

2-8-2 light:  MP, RR
2-8-2 heavy:  Kato, RR
2-10-2 heavy:  C-C
2-6-6-2:  B-mann SPECTRUM
2-8-8-2:  LL

4-6-2 light:  RR, MP
4-6-2 heavy:  RR
4-8-2 light:  B-mann

missing are the light 2-10-2 and heavy 4-8-2.  The MP USRA lights are not bad runners, but need their 1970s construction methods updated.  The B-personn SPECTRUM 2-6-6-2, despite B-mann's addressing of some of its problems, still leaves something to be desired.  The LL 2-8-8-2 needs traction tyres and the all-wheels-live twelve wheel tender electrically connected to the locomotive.  I do not have the C-C 2-10-2.   

The Kato is good.

The RRs are hopelessly out-of-date.

I am convinced that Athearn could scale down its HO USRA lights and do a better job than did MP, although I would accept MPs if they would go to an all-wheels-live needlepoint axle tender.   Also, a little work on the QC is in order.  I have had the Loc-Tite break on two pacifics after the warranty ran out.

I would buy one or two decapods.

The ten-wheeler for my non-historic and de-bugged USRA light pacifics and mikados as well as a good running USRA heavy pacific for my prototypes.

The rumour is still out there that MP is going to do a PRR G-5 and E-6 that will address all of the gripes about their N scale steam.  MP also was supposed to release moguls and eight-wheelers with all wheels live tenders.  I do hope that they will be needlepoint axles and not wipers.  And yes, Messrs. Tager, I will pay the price difference.

I am also surprised at Atlas because its Shay uses wipers and not needlepoint.

[DKS]

I am also surprised at Atlas because its Shay uses wipers and not needlepoint.

I don't think this would have been technically feasible given the design of the trucks, particularly on the geared side. We're lucky we have any Shays at all--I'd heard from Atlas that the reject rate due to the universals on the drive shafts was very high; I'm surprised they ran another batch.

[Chris333]

Just talking about Russian's, there is a sweet video on Youtube of one switching. Looked like it was down south somewhere. I believe there was a seaboard S12 in the video as well.

Too bad I can't find it, don't remember what to search for... :

Yeah give me a 2-10-0 and a 4-6-0, I'll start a new list after I see them.

[3rdrail]

Gregg
Do you consider Strasburg's 90 (of Great Western heritage) one of these? If so, I'd LOVE one of them too.


Jerry, you should know by now that I'd love some PRR steam! I'd love to do some pre-war PRR steam stuff, but you know how easy THAT is in N...

I'm not familiar with the dimensions, but it's  pretty darn close. Most of the "lawnmowers" were Baldwins. I even found a card photo of one lettered for the "Orient" when Baldwin tried to sell some to the AN in 1930. I was honest and didn't pull the file - it was trashed and I regret it.

I'd buy several H6sb's too!

[TiVoPrince]

A nice
logging type prarie that can pull a few cars up 2-3% grades...