I have decided to add a new sound P2K 2-8-8-2 to my roster. Walthers is marketing several road names and different numbers. In the catalgue the only picture used is the N&W for all the models. Are the different models road sensitive as to details, or are they all the identical model with a different paint job? Any one know???
Art, I found this site which allows a comparison between their “D&RGW” version and the N&W. The difference is somewhat subtle, but certainly the tender dog house on the one is different from the other.
The basic P2K 2-8-8-2 is a Norfolk and Western Y-3, and that is the version which ended up on the AT&SF, PRR, UP and (from the Santa Fe) VGN.
AT&SF removed the brakeman’s doghouse.
PRR gave them Keystone smokebox door number plates. (Previously, those were reserved for passenger power.)
UP installed train number boards flanking the bell.
I don’t know what, if any, changes VGN might have made in their “as received from Santa Fe” Y-3s.
The D&RGW (and the Bingham and Garfield) purchased N&W Y-2 2-8-8-2’s, an earlier version which, among other things, had air tanks atop the boiler and compressors on the smoke box front. D&RGW added coal boards to the sides of the tender bunkers to increase their capacity. I don’t know what, if anything, the Kennecott Copper Corporation might have changed on the 2 Y-2’s they acquired.
So the answer is, yes there are subtle differences in the Y-3’s operated by the N&W, PRR, AT&SF and (later) VGN, and not-so-subtle differences between the Y-3 and the Y-2’s operated by the Grande. (Query, does anyone operate a model railroad based on Kennecott’s Bingham and Garfield? The prototype electrified in 1948, at which time it either changed to or became part of the Utah Copper Railroad.)
Chuck
Just wanted to say enjoy it, mind is the best running and sounding engines in my roundhouse.
I ran across the MRR review video that indicated the model they reviewed had pumps on the front. Do any of the ones now being released have that feature, I wonder?
UP also removed the dog house I have one on my layout and it runs real strong
Arthill,
I think the model with the pumps on the front is the USRA 2-8-8-2 from Proto2000. I have one of the early (pre-sound) versions of the Y-3 and it is very different from the USRA 2-8-8-2 version that I have. The Y-3 that I have is number 2050 and looks exactly like the picture I have seen of the real 2050 online.
Hope this helps,
Kevin
First release were all the Y-3 version without the flying pumps and with the shorter tender. I forget the gallons as everything is packed right now, but I am thinking 16,000 gallons. Second release were more of the same , PLUS they added two in the Virginian road name. VGN changed the N&W crossed front handrails, removed the smokebox front number plates, and gave them a fresh shopping. The undec of both versions had all the parts to model N&W or Pennsy if I remember right, but no non-crossed handrails. They did include the front piping to model a Y3a as retrofitted with the Y5 front ends (when the Y5s got new cast frame engines), and that also made up with more modern cylinders. N&Ws had doghouses and the others did not as I recall, but the Pennsys may have too, I’m not sure.
The third release came with the larger/longer fishbelly tender (18,000 gal. ?), and once again the undec had all the parts for all versions offered.
Then they started releasing sound and those were all Y-2 flying pump versions with the small tender.
I believe the latest releases (since Walthers bought them), with and without sound, come with a spare driver set with traction tires, otherwise all are re-releases of earlier versions.
In my opinion, they are truly outstanding model locomotives. A lot of people have griped that they don’t pull well. I would say they pull okay, but not great, until you add some additional weight. The new ones with the traction tire should be fine in that department.
Art, the only thing that I can add is that all I’ve heard about those proto units is that they do not pull well at all. I’ve talked to Tom White about it and that’s what he says. He has more than one.