An early start. As a coal-hauler, the N&W began operating a fleet of compound 2-8-8-2s as its standard heavy-duty locomotive in 1912. Mallets were compound engines that used their steam twice: first in the rear high-pressure cylinders and then in the (larger) front low-pressure cylinders. These early 2-8-8-2s were ponderous, slow moving machines that could pull immense amounts of tonnage.
The N&W constantly upgraded the design, and its 2-8-8-2 eventually became the basis for the largest standard-design locomotive developed by the United States Railroad Administration (USRA), the federal agency that operated railroads during World War I.
Postwar development concentrated on the 2-8-8-2s’ efficiency and speed capabilities. The N&W eventually owned 227 of these engines, but the final Y6b version is the specific prototype of this model.
Continued refinement culminated in the construction of 30 Y6bs by the N&W Roanoke Shop between 1948 and 1952. The efficiency of these modern steam locomotives allowed some of them to successfully compete with the diesels until 1960.
A well-proportioned machine. The Precision Craft Models 2-8-8-2 is a handsome model that captures the prototype’s look and proportions. Its major parts are metal with numerous individually applied plastic details. The model’s dimensions match the Y6b scale drawing in the Model Railroader Cyclopedia: Vol. 1, Steam locomotives. All of the drivers are properly spaced, and their scale 57″ diameter is correct.
The coupled engine and tender are 15½” (scale 113 feet) long, so the locomotive will fit on a 15¼” turntable with a little overhang. Three drawbar pin positions provide up to an additional ¼” of clearance for tight-radius operation.
An eight-page User’s Manual, a Function Quick Reference Guide, and a pair of exploded isometric drawings explain how to operate the locomotive.
The die-cast boiler provides plenty of weight for maximum pulling power without using traction tires.
The 2-8-8-2’s chassis follows the pattern we’ve been seeing on other recent model articulateds. A large can motor fitted with a pair of machined flywheels is enclosed in the middle of the boiler just ahead of the firebox. It drives both engines through universal shafts concealed within the boiler.
Each eight-drivered engine has a die-cast metal frame with a gearbox that extends up into the boiler above the third driver. Both engines swivel and rock slightly under the boiler to keep all of the drivers in contact with the rails for maximum traction.
Prototype articulateds have their rear engine rigidly attached to the boiler, while a hinged joint between the engines allows the front engine to swing into curves. This deviation from prototype practice allows the model to negotiate an 18″-radius curve, and it reduces the end overhang. Thanks to close clearances between the boiler and running gear, these modifications are noticeable only on tight curves.
The model includes a huge N&W 22,000-gallon tender that rides on acetal plastic, six-wheel Buckeye roller-bearing trucks.
The Kadee no. 58 scale coupler on the tender is mounted at the correct height. The pilot has a plastic McHenry knuckle coupler mounted about .020″ high. A dummy coupler is also provided for the pilot.
Our sample 2-8-8-2 came neatly painted in a smooth satin black with a realistic graphite color on the smoke-box front. All of the printed lettering was sharp and opaque.
Sound system. The ESU sound and control system is concealed within the tender. Twin 1¼” speakers are mounted face down above the rear truck. A DC Master control unit, which Precision Craft sells separately, allows the operator to use the sound effects during DC operation.
On DCC the sound effects are controlled by the throttle’s function buttons. A toggle action on F5 simulates the prototype’s eight-chuffs-per-revolution starting in simple, or four chuffs per revolution at higher speed in compound operation. The sound quality is good, and the system offers a wide range of adjustments. A reset in CV8 restores the factory settings.
On DC our sample 2-8-8-2 started and ran smoothly at 3 scale mph. It ran well at realistic speeds, producing a drawbar pull equivalent to 89 free-rolling freight cars on straight and level track. On DCC, it began moving on throttle step 1 and ran steadily at 1.4 scale mph, reached a typical 45 mph on step 12, and had a top speed of 78 mph at step 20 and beyond.
Overall, I’m impressed with this 2-8-8-2’s combination of good looks, solid performance, and excellent sound effects.
Price: with automatic dual-mode decoder and LokSound system, $699.99; upgrade-able DC-only version, $599.99; DCC upgrade kit for DC Y6b, with LokSound decoder and speaker, $129.99
Manufacturer
Precision Craft Models
4 Signal Ave.
Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Description
Ready-to-run plastic-and-metal steam locomotive
Road name
Norfolk & Western nos. 2195, 2200, or unnumbered
Brass bell and handrails
Couplers: Kadee no. 58 knuckle coupler on the tender; pilot has a McHenry plastic coupler
Detailed backhead
Die-cast metal locomotive and tender construction
Directional constant lighting
Drawbar pull: 6.4 ounces
Firebox glow
Five-pole can motor with dual turned-brass flywheels
Minimum radius: 18″
Operating cab roof vents
Optional sound and DCC up-grade kit specifically tailored to fit PCM DC models with PCM motherboards
Overall length: 15½”
Painted engine crew
RP-25 wheelsets (in gauge)
Separately applied details
Weight: engine alone, 31 ounces; tender, 12 ounces; total, 43 ounces
I use one of these engines to pull a long 80 to 90 car coal train as a member of a modular railroad club at trainshows. I have come to love these engines for their sheer durability and overall mechanical design. The ESU sound system sounds fine at shows but doesn't sound as good on my home layout, however your video makes the whistle seem worse than it actually is. The short "hoots" are the automatic indicator that the sound is switching between compound and simple operation F5 and F6. The article didn't mention that all 16 drivers are fully sprung which means that these engines are extremely good at not derailing. I can run the long coal train for hours without a derailment. GREAT LOCO!
Finally got mine. In a word, "Awesome!". Set it up for 128 speed steps and be prepared to be blown away. Just beautiful.
I'm currently awaiting the arrival of mine, found an unlettered for $140.00 under list w/DCC and sound. So a Lenz 100 was in order. I'll let you know how it goes when I get everything together. Seen some on You Tube they look great.
Great write up on the PCM Y6b. I just bought an old Rivarossi Y6b that needs a bit of work to run. Also hope to convert to DCC. My club PWMRC won a Paragon Y6b and it pulls so sweet! Looking forward to one of those one day.
So far I have enjoyed my Y6b. I found the sound to be too loud, and the speed too fast; I adjusted these by changing the CV values. Unfortunately, you cannot read back the values of the ESU decoder on the Digitrax DCC system. I am pleased with the way this locomotive operates at this time. A second unit I purchased at the same time, end of May, was defective and immediately returned to Prescision; I'm still waiting to get it back.
It's great that they make mallets that operate on 18" curves. That really helps us peeps with smaller layouts. The only thing is they could lower the price a little bit for people without as much money. Otherwise, looks and sounds like a great model. I'm going to try to get one soon.
With a string of coal cars (36) nothing looks better snaking along the club layout.
THis looks like a beautiful machine. Having limited space on my layout(4×8) I think its great that someone made a mallet able to negotiate 18' radius curves
Fantastic that such a large engine can run on such tight curves. This is very considerate for those that do not have the luxury of 32" curves.
Percision Craft Models are building some beautiful steam locomotives and being an Espee fan I'm excited about there AC-12 and Daylight train comming soon. I was wondering why they don't make their articulated locomotives with an optional locking rear drivers so modelers like me with broad curvers don't have to live with the rear drivers swinging out from under the boiler. The additional steam piping to connect to the cylenders would be nice also.
looking to buy one and would enjoy if they were not so expensive but i have seen other models from presicion craft and they operate well there fore i wil buy one
This Norfolk and Western Y6Bisawsome!
I have had one for a couple of months. I have ran it a couple of times at my club (my home layout is under repair). I am very impressed with the sound, the detail and its smooth running. However, the pulling power is not as good as I expected. I put about 24 Stewart and Broadway limited coal hopers behind it and it could not make the 2.2% grade on the club layout. Granted that was an extreme test, as the bottom of the grade starts with a curve.
That being said, my Broadway Limited A can easily pull the same tonnage like a walk in the park. This is the difference between traction tires and no traction tires. I plan to do more tests soon.
I think it looks great but not for my layout
A definite step up from the "old standard" from Rivarossi. I purchased mine without the ESU sound unit, and intend to fit it with a SoundTraxx Tsunami as one of my winter projects. The model runs well on DC. My biggest disappointment is the fact that both engines swivel. I would much rather have had the model made like the old Powerhouse Y-3 models. The Powerhouse Y-3s had metal boilers, but realistic articulation.
What a beautiful piece of work. A definate have to have!
i'm a fan of the Y6b and it's sortof sister loco the Class A (2-6-6-4) which is from BLI for a little less but it pulls a ton of cars and is awsome too.
loved mine
A friend's Y6B has had a problem of the cable linking the loco and tender coming unplugged whilst running – has anyone else had this problem?
I love My Y6b! I need some more of them.
This is an awsome machine ,great and impressive ,good sound thanks to the esu decoder ,runs good pitty it is not with a smoke generator standard.TIP :with the lok-programmer by esu you can make the sound even better!
The first one I purchased ran great for about a week, then one of the bolts that hold the side rods on came off in my tunnel of all places. The side rod dug into the roadbed and was severely bent. I returned that one to the store and exchanged it for another one. This one ran intermittently and produced a burning odor from the firebox area. I returned this one and exchanged it for the last one the hobby shop had. This third one has been the charm, it looks, runs, and sounds great. I would give the product a perfect score except for the fact that I had to return two units before getting a good one. For the price of the locomotive, the quality control should be better. Recommend that any purchaser thoroughly test the locomotive during your hobby shop's return period to make sure you got a good one.
I'm facinated by mallets. This one seems to be one top of the line. I seriously consider to buy one.
I've only seen pictures of the model in general at the Precision Craft Models website and also read the review fully. I can only imagine what Precision Craft will come up with next…
I received mine on Friday and got fascinated from the first look after unwrapping it from the box!
The finish and the overall look of the engine is awsome, except for the orange headlight.
The weight of this engine is impressing and it runs very smooth.
I'd like to have a second one…