One of the issues I have with my LL 2-8-8-2 is the pulling power up my almost 4% grade. My BLI 2-8-2 will pull 13 hoppers up this grade with no problem (without traction tires), but my LL Y3a can only pull 9 up the same grade. Now that PCM is releasing the Y6b (I am assumming that it will come with a traction tire option like all the other BLI/PCM releases), will it be possible to use the traction tire from the Y6b on the Y3a. I read somewhere on the web that the Y3 had 57" drivers and the Y6 had 58" drivers, but I am not sure if that is correct. Would it be possible to use them without having to perform major surgery?
You would have to ask the manufacturers or at least study the “parts” breakdown of diagram for each axle. I would guess that it is not likely. There are so many things that can be different starting with axle diameter, bearing type, etc…
MORE Pulling power can be oblained by using a bigger motor,
and adding weight.
Traction tires are cheap but require a ‘gooved’ wheel, that won’t run without them. With a 4% grade, this may be the way you should go.
No trains could do much on 4% (Denver Salt Lake) but Y-3’s were used as helpers on Santa Fe’s Raton E.B. 3.5%.
Buy a Y6b and see if the traction tired driver will fit, but as TZ said, there are so many variables it is dubious. However, having said that, it is exactly what I am planning on doing. I have added weight to my Y’s and they pull okay and I don’t have any major grades, but I wouldn’t mind another option.
Even providing the driver diameter is close enough, you have other things to worry about, like the link pin size. Also, if the replaced axel is the drive axel, the motor gearing would have to be the same size, tooth count, and design (rounded, slotted, groved, square, etc…)
So in all likely hood, that’s a no. Sorry to be a bummer.
The good news is that you have an excuse to get two. Time to consist that puppy!
I think two would be the best way Kevin, the sound up those grades would be fantastic!!
Hows that other project going?
Ken.
I own the LL 2-8-8-2 and it is a little light on the upgrade. At this time I have it regulated to pusher service. I have been toying with the idea of consisting this engine with either another y3 from LL or a PCM I1.
I have expectation that the Y6b will perform better after all it is a Broadway (Aka PCM) engine.
The N&W rated the Y6 at about 50% more tonnage than the Y3 - so keep that in mind. In fact, when the J was put in freight service in the late '50’s, it had the same tonnage rating as the Y3 for slow speed service, and a higher tonnage rating for medium and higher speed service.