Hi rails, this is my very first post in MR. But I’m a MRRer since 1956. I am in HO again after a long stint in N here in Los Angeles. To the point; Where can I find my favorite Malley, a Y6b (I think of the b as “the Barracuda” because of its low profile, prowling demeanor as it roams the rails looking for its prey.) . It must be a great performer and have scale flanges. Analog OK No sound OK Thanks much, Mark
First of all, welcome back to the hobby.
As to the Y6b–I’m not sure, but I’d say that the only Analog, non-sound Y6b currently manufactured is the Broadway Limited Blu-line series. I’m not sure of the price–it seems to vary from distributor to distributor, but I’ve heard very good things about its running qualities and pulling power. I don’t think any of the models run much more than $250, even if that.
Proto P2K at one time offered the earlier versions of the N&W Y series (USRA and Y-3’s) and they ran very smoothly, but were somewhat lacking in pulling power. And at least IMO, were pretty overpriced for a plastic steamer. From what I gather, about twice the price of the current Blu-Line series.
Hope this helps.
Tom
The modern production (post 1995) Rivarossi 2-8-8-2 should be a good choice if you can find one. But the Proto 2000 version is much better, and probably won’t cost a whole lot more with a good discount. Except for traction problems on the early models, I’ve always heard great things about the Proto 2000 2-8-8-2!
The P2K model is a Y3 or Y3a as noted above, not a Y6b.
Other than brass, in HO there are two choices: Rivarossi and PCM/BLI. The Rivarossi model is not currently in production, and has not been offered since Hornby purchased the assets of Rivarossi. The tooling may or may not have survived the transfer to China. Given the pricing window below the PCM/BLI model, I do not see why or how they could do it. In addition, the drivers on the Rivarossi model are way undersized - even the ones with RP25 flanges.
No commercially available model of an HO steam locomotive has scale sized flanges - the better ones follow the NMRA’s RP25, which is still grossly oversize.
The PCM/BLI model only comes sound equipped.
I swear by my PCM Y6-b. Mine has sound but they where offered with out sound. Running DCC it pulled 70 cars up a 1.5 percent grade at my LHS Christmass Party with no problems.
Look on E-Bay, you might find a new or used one. If it is in the $300.00 range jump on it! It is what all steam engines should be!
Cuda Ken
I have the Paragon 2 Y6B which is basically the same as the PCM but with a different sound system,BLIs new Paragon 2 sound&control system. and while there has been a bit of issue with a very few arriving with broken gears these are a minority mine arrived and after testing, a through lubing and proper breakin period easily pulled 100 cars on our large 20X60 club layout, caution should be taken as they come equipped with traction tires and I you get carried away may overtax the engine,nice thing is that BLI provides replacement driver sets in the packaging for those not wishing to use the traction tires,either way the BLI offering being Diecast metal instead of plastic and weighting in at a hefty 2lbs has sufficent traction for the most discriminent operator even sans the TTs.
Sound in this video is set at max but after turning it down found it to be very pleasing.
Here is an original ROCO for sale:
I agree that you can’t go wrong with the BLI Paragon 2 y6b. That is unless of course yours has problems. A lot of them have had problems as I understand it. Mine did. It’s currently out for repairs with BLI (has been for 3 weeks, and probably will be for another 3-4) as at first the headlight didn’t work, then the chuff sounds failed. I unfortunately didn’t get a chance to film it with a long train, but here’s a short video of mine at the North Shore Model Railroad Club before I sent it back for repairs. I absolutely love this locomotive in spite of the problems I’ve had with it, and can’t wait to get it back.
It is a Y3, not a Y6b - and the price is way out of line.
Vakharn, my PCM went back two times. First time I lost sound, turned out the Loksound decoder was just lose in the socket. Second engine was shorting against the boiler, BLI could not fix it and they did not have either a Blue Line or the Paragon II at the time. They sent it back (I wanted my Y6 not a credit for something I did not want) and I fixed it.
What killed mine was no lube where the engine’s mount to the boiler! Mounting points started to ware down, boiler sat lower and then the current started to arch shorting out the engine! I fixed it with Kadee fiber washers. Just make sure you lube these points, my was bone dry! You might have to pull the engines to get to these points but it was easy. No harder than working on a Blue Box Athearn.
Cuda Ken Y6-Bing again!
Since the OP’s request was two years ago, chances are he has moved on. But I bet you may have some interest from someone else if you listed the scale and brand of your Y6b.
HO scale…PCM with Loksound decoder.