Virginian MB 2-8-2

[J3a-614]

I don't expect to see one made, even if this locomotive was so highly thought of by Virginian employees and fans--but maybe it could be kitbashed.  Check the photos and see if you wouldn't agree:

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=1351

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=23224&nseq=8

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=61852

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=94511&nseq=2

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=229492&nseq=0

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=87503

http://www.cwrr.com/Lounge/Feature/steamtwn/parade5.jpg

Drivers are close in size, overall proportions are good, even Alco domes on the Chinese engine (based on an Alco design?).  The engine looks to be mostly a standard if slightly extensive redetailing job, even if it includes scratching up a new cab.  Main problem--that round-topped tank the Virginian used, similar to those on some older N&W power and L&N 2-8-4s.  How would you tackle it?

[ryeguyisme]

I'll give you my comparison of some of the basics:

-the sand domes are placed differently measuring from the third drive wheel

-the drivers on the SY are box-pok not spoked like the virginian mike

in my opinion the locomotive would still have to go under extensive cosmetic surgery (thats coming from an experienced kitbasher) But if you want the look and you're not necessarily a rivet counter(well neither am I for say) do whatever pleases you.

The SY goes for $130 buy it now on ebay+details and labor, I'd say if you can find a brass locomotive for $200 roughly would be just as much as doing the work on a chinese prototype

PS- our guys down at the essex steam museum acquired an SY and are converting it to a NY.NH.&H locomotive by replacing the cab and such and doing there own cosmetic work and it will be kknown as #3025. These guys have had experience with the SY as they had the engine the susie-Q has now first


have fun

[J3a-614]

Thanks for the comments, that's about what I was thinking, depending on the price of a VGN MB.

Interestingly, the road's MCAs (5 rebuilt MCs) did get Baldwin disc drivers, had about the same driver diameter, but were overall a much chunkier engine.

MCA

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=11828

MC

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=87501

One that will give anyone trouble would be a Virginian Alco PA, in an orange and black paint scheme.  It's never even been produced in brass.

Joke time:  What do you mean, a Virginian PA?  Virginian only had FM diesels, and that one GE 44-tonner from the New Haven on the East End!

Answer:  The Virginian had 6 4-6-2s, class PA, painted black with standard orange lettering. . .

Ho, ho, humbug. . .

Class PA, 70-inch drivers (same as a Bowser NYC K-11), overall boiler shape the same, but otherwise, the biggest piece of work, probably better to scratchbuild at least the superstructure.  Still a pretty engine, though. . .surprised no one has done one even in brass.

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=11829

http://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=19451

[Nigel]

The NYC K11 is also very close to the N&W E2 4-6-2.  I have a couple of Bowser models that are destined to become E2.  I also have a NWSL E2a for comparison.

Like the PA and K11, the first E2 locomotives were Alco products.

There have been several good articles is the mr mags over the years on making super structures, includuing at least two in Mainline Modeler using plastic.

[J3a-614]

Interesting comments, Nigel; too bad fellows like you, Rye, and myself are in such a minority that Bowser had to call it quits.

I have to ask, what are you going to use for tenders?  The N&W rounded top jobs are fairly common in larger sizes (Life-Like 2-8-8-2s), but what about smaller ones?

Since we are on the subject, another 4-6-2 with 70" drivers; this one's a Baldwin, so it looks very different (gotta scratch the superstructure again), but it's also been available in brass a number of times.  And No. 202 is still with us, on display in a park in Hagerstown, Md.  It's also interesting to note the variations between engines; this is just a sample from the Northeast Rails site:

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/wm202sa.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/wm202s.jpg

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/wm/wm-s205aps.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/wm205sa.jpg

http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/wm209as.jpg

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/wm/wm-s209.jpg

While looking for the WM photos, I came across this one; has a Baldwin builder's photo section you and Rye may be interested in:

http://www.leclairerail.com/contents.html

Not the best shot, but it is an NYC K-11:

http://sbiii.com/wkoch-rr/NYC3022K-11AinChicago.jpg

Enjoy.

[pipefitter]

Thanks for collecting these for us J3

Robert

[Nigel]

I have to ask, what are you going to use for tenders?  The N&W rounded top jobs are fairly common in larger sizes (Life-Like 2-8-8-2s), but what about smaller ones?

The last two E2 locomotives in operation had large tenders, which allowed the elimination of some water towers.  My focus is 1950 - 1955; when there were only the two left.  I have brass tenders from a WSM N&W E3 4-6-2 and a Sunset N&W K3 4-8-2, in addition to one from a P2K 2-8-8-2; for projects. 

A few years back, Model Railroading ran a series on converting a Spectrum PRR K4 into a N&W E3.  One of the articles in the series was on making a Bachmann A tank into the tender - actually reversing the process the N&W used to create the A-tanks.  This method is adaptable to the present Spectrum A-tank, which will result in a better model than what was published.

If you are working on an earlier era E2, the USRA tender, originally on the K2 (USRA Heavy 4-8-2) works for the 1930's.

Edit/Addition:
I have been looking through my stuff, hadn't really had a good opportunity to do so in the last 5+ years, and came across a pair of brass Lewis trucks for N&W tenders.  I purchased them before the Spectrum A-tank came out - which has really nice trucks.

I also found a Kemtron Vanderbilt "kit" - really a bunch of parts, and a single sided sheet of suggestions for the pieces not included.  For example - there is a picture of the trucks, and a statement - solder sideframes to bolster.  It does include wheels 

And three pairs of Kato RSC2 trucks that I were intended to be part of tender boosters, because their wheelbase is close to typical Buckeye and Commonwealth three axle tender trucks.