Hello all. I recently purchased a slightly used N scale Life Like Heratige N&W Y6B 2-8-8-2 from a friend of mine that bought it several years ago when they first came out, ran it around his layout a few times then reboxed it and put it up in his closet where it’s been ever since. I’ve known he’s had it all this time and would ask him about it now and then to see if he might consider selling it but each time he would always say absolutely not. Then last week he calls one evening and says - You know that engine that you’re always asking me about, well it’s yours if you want it for $200.00. I got so excited that I dropped what I was doing on the spot, walked out the door into the cold without a jacket on and am surprised that I didn’t get a speeding ticket driving the five miles over to his house to get it… Anyways, my question is now do these engines have a good reputation and did I pay too much for it ?. I bought it as one of my Christmas gifts to myself and have since ordered about ten coal porters and a caboose to pull behind it.
The loco is very light, can benefit from adding the exsisting wheel pickups from the tender (12 wheels) to the rest of the electrical scheme and no working front coupler (easy swap out 1015). Besides that, it is a gem and worth every penny and demerit points it cost you to acquire. David B
I have had one since they first came out. Still running strong. Added a little weight inside boiler and wired tender pick-ups to main engine works much better.You will like it. Price is never too high for happiness.
You’re so right about the price issue… The fact is I’ve seen them go for $300.00 on ebay so the $200.00 I paid for mine wasn’t all that bad I guess, especially taking into account that I know where it came from and how it was treated by its previous and first owner.
I’ve had one “ever since they came out” also. Easily the best-running N-scale steamer I’ve ever seen, even though it was a poor puller, and sometimes would lose pickup on turnouts at very slow speeds. Since I read this post, I ran wires from the motor to tender, and smashed some .22 bullets and weighted the engine. Now I have a brand-new engine! Good pulling, and no more stalls and flickering lights! Wow…why did I wait so long??
I have two of them in HO, one with sound, and love both. Great running locos and great detail. Don’t know about N scale but I paid under $200 for each; just lucky I guess.