I thought all the Akanes had articulated had all drive wheels powered. Thanks for that heads up, I shall look out for that when I purchase one next time. Now that you’ve mentioned it the AC12 (above) above does have deluxe printed on the box.
Twhite, I’ve seen the akane B&O EM-1 in action, it easily handled 40 + cars up a 2.5% grade. I’ve also seen various Akane allenghenys do the same thing. Not sure what production year they we’re.
You’re right about their hauling power–the Akane articulateds are heavyweights–the entire boiler cavity is usually filled with weight. My Yellowstones and AC’s routinely haul 30+cars up my 2.4% grades, and will handle about 15-20 more on occasion. Good sturdy mechanisms on them, simple and uncomplicated. They’re also extremely well balanced. The only other articulateds I have that can match them are my PFM L-131 2-8-8-2 and my Westside L-104 4-6-6-4’s, and generally speaking, even ‘used’, the PFM’s and Westsides cost a lot more. For its day, Akane imported a superior locomotive.
They’re still very good–they seem to be pretty indestructable.
Tom [:D]
Tom, I have the 1962 version of the Allegheny. It has one motor, but both sets of drivers are powered. I have compared it to the 1964 version and it is the same except that the 64 version has sprung drivers and brakes. I got mine from a seller that did not get the reserve met on eBay. I paid $350 for mine, but I have seen one from the same year go for $600 +. I guess it is really just how much someone is willing to pay for it.
Kevin–now I’m confused, as I was told by several other modelers that pre-'64 Akane articulateds did not have the drive shaft extending to the front engine. I’ve got a USRA 2-6-6-2 from Akane with only one driver set powered, and was told it was probably a '62 run. Guess I’m going to have to do some more research on these locos. Thanks for the information. BTW, the Allegheny that was going for that big price at the LHS had sprung drivers and brakes and looked as if it had just come from the manufacturer. It also had its original open-frame motor, ran smooth as a whistle, and weighed about a ton, LOL!
Tom [:D]
I’m affraid right after I save for and purchase an Akane M4, BLI will announce a superior version for the same price. [|(] I think I’ll wait.
This guy has some great info on fixing up Akane Cab-forwards. You should check it out.
Aggro–that website’s invaluable–great stuff! And since the AC10-12 and M-4 drive trains are identical, it’s given me some ideas for a future project. Thanks for the link.
Tom [:D][:D]
It sounds like a mutant. My 1960 AC-9 hasd them all powered, as did every post-'64 (spring driver) AC-9 I’ve ever seen (all 7 of them).
Can someone shed a little more light on this?
-dave
You mean you’re new BRASS AC-12 CAB FORWARD 4-8-8-2, right? If I EVER get a brass engine that looks that good I don’t think I’ll EVER paint it!! That BRASS color just looks too cool!![:D][:D][:D]
Darth Santa Fe, you’re probably right.
AggroJones, thanks man! I’m glad I started this topic. I’m learing more each with post.
twhite, is this engine an AC9? The top looks plain (limited knowledge).
saw it on ebay.
Yep, that’s an AC-9 with the coal tender as it would have appeared during its days on the Rio Grande Division prior to being converted to oil.
Andre
That ‘plain’ looking top on the AC-9 is known as a ‘Skyline’ casing, which helped lift smoke above the cab while running. Southern Pacific used it on quite a few of their locomotives–some Pacifics on the T&NO, most of their MT-2,3,4,5 Mountain series, and all of their Lima-built “Daylight” 4-8-4’s. It gave the locomotives a very distinctive look–quite handsome IMHO. The AC-9’s were conventional cab-back articulateds built by Lima, and had the same tractive effort as the cab-forwards. They originally ran on the Rio Grande Sub between El Paso, TX and Tucumcari NM, however later, they were converted to oil and transferred to the Modoc Division in northeastern California. Funny story about them being transferred–the overhang on the boiler was too great for the snowsheds on Donner Pass, so they had to be run north up the Shasta line to Klamath Falls, OR, then south to the Modoc line. A VERY round-about trip to their new stomping grounds, LOL! I saw them on the Modoc line when I was a kid–usually in helper service with an AC-10 or 12 on the front end. Talk about big power!!
Tom [:D]
Look at the details on this.
Well now I see the full potential of the loco. The guy who did this replaced a whole lot of parts, handrails etc. On his website it is all there, step by step.