http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=so7-Fu2psjc
The spinning start on the grade is an awesome sequence when it finally gets a purchase and comes around the curve.
-Crandell
Nice find Crandell! Wish I had enough space to model the N&W. I can barely model the Nickel Plate road!
That’s almost as cool as a UP Challenger!![:-^] Thanks a lot!![tup][tup]
Looks like it could have used a diesel to help it on that wet grade…[:-^]
True, although some sand would have kept the carbon footprint of the excursion reduced to that of #1218, and obviated the diesel entirely. Then, and when it finally made it up the grade, it wouldn’t have to expend the fuel to tow the 100 ton diesel for the rest of the trip, which it would do with much greater ease and at a greater speed than could the diesel by itself. [:D]
Of course, we both know that the diesel would have an easier time of the grade because it would only have had to tow cars sufficiently filled on an excursion of folks wanting to be towed behind a mere diesel. About half the consist, maybe? [:-^]
-Crandell
Crandell–
That’s one beauty of a locomotive. I really wish that it could have been kept under steam (or that it may be revived). I remember seeing photos of it as a kid and thinking, “Wow, that’s fascinating.” and then later thinking, “Aw, it looks kind of plain”–simply because I liked my articulateds with the ‘guts’ hanging out, so to speak. But lately, watching videos of it, I’ve really gained a lot of respect for both the lines and the look of that A-class. Everything about it seems to be exactly where it’s SUPPOSED to be.
That’s one really beautiful locomotive–certainly one of the finest ever built, and as far as I’m concerned, much more esthetically pleasing than the UP Challenger. I’d sure like to see it back in action.
Tom
Tom, them’s fightin’ words!!![:-^]
I’m not going to debate the esthetics of two big, black industrial transportation machines. As far as TE and HP, the A is the hands-down winner. And both of them could run like frightened deer where the track profile allowed - it’s just that the A could do it with greater tonnage.
The A has been referred to as the Mercedes of steam. I rather suspect that the Challenger would have been just as good - if Roanoke had built it.
Chuck (N&W steam fan modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
I like the A class for sure and that video is really cool for those who have not seen allot of steam. I think the class A has a sleek look to it but the yb6 is my favorite.
Sorry Cradell, I will have to go along with Tom about the Challenger. I did learn something, I thought the A was a 8-8 drive like the Y6b, was all so cool it did not have a oil burner in tow.
Cuda Ken
I think it’s a shame that they don’t run the 1218 or the 611 anymore, but (thinking positive) they still exist and have not been scrapped so I can see them again in person some day.
Nah, ‘fightin words’ would be if the Rio Grande had preserved one of their big L-105 Baldwin-built 4-6-6-4’s and kept it in operating condition. Then we would have seen a Challenger in ACTION, LOL!
Tom [:P]