Is THIS Camelback period correct to 1890's?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I know that the 2-6-0 Camelback came into use in 1877, but this seems to be a later model. Would this specific Camelback fit into the 1890s?

2

Yes. Its a NYO&W engine.

Dave H.

3

Well let me add that the only anachronism is the valve gear. 1890’s engines normally used slide valves and Stephenson valve gear (the cylinders are asingle round shape with a box on top).
The engine recycles the mechanism and tender from their SP prototype 2-6-0.

The cylinders are the wrong shape and the tender is a bit too long, but otherwise its pretty good for a 1890’s engine. Search E-Bay for camelbacks or 2-6-0’s and you can occaisionally find a brass version of this engine to see what one would really look like.

Dave H.

4

There’s an undated, but nice plan, drawn by one C. Ness, for a somewhat similar Erie Camelback in the January 1960 RMC:

DL&W and Erie 2-6-0 Camelbacks Railroad Model Craftsman, January 1960, page 57 ( 2-6-0, CAMELBACK, DL&W, ERIE, STEAM, ENGINE, LOCOMOTIVE, PROTOTYPE, RMC )

Models of Camelbacks were popular in the 1960s because their wider fireboxes provided more room for a motor in HO.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543

5

There are several shortcomings in the model if one wishes to represent the 1890’s. Among them, the headlight probably should be replaced, the steamchest is incorrect, the model lacks the proper valve-gear for a typical mainline camelback of this period, there needs to be a footplate between the engine and tender and, foremost, the cab is far too low and narrow to be realistic (compare it with the size of a plastic figure). Although supposedly representing an NYO&W Mogul camelback, this IHC model resembles it only in general terms and dimensions (I have the NPP brass version in my collection to compare with). If you can overlook these faults, the engine is probably a passable representation of this sort of locomotive and does run quite well.

Unfortunately, nothing else is currently available (pleeeease BLI!) in the way of camelback road engines at realistic prices. The Mantua road engine camelbacks were more accurate (again except for valve gear) but represented only a handful of locomotives from one railroad accurately. More diverse and much better looking examples (although admittedly poorer runners) were made in the 1960’s in then inexpensive brass, plus ones of zamac or a combination of zamac & brass.

CNJ831

6

SpaceMouse, check out www.rr-fallenflags.org. Ken

7

SpaceMouse, the fallen flags site listed by Eriediamond is a great site. Also try this one: http://www.northeast.railfan.net/steam.html

My [2c] worth.

8

howmus, Thanks for the info,I appreciate it. Thanks, Ken

9

Great Site–got lost and had to remember I was at work.