Walthers N scale 2-8-8-2 Y3a Mallet

A highly detailed N scale model of a Y3a 2-8-8-2 steam locomotive is now available with a factory- installed sound system. This N scale Y3a from Walthers features a dual-mode Digital Command Control (DCC) sound decoder. The tooling for the model is the same as the DC version from Life-Like that we reviewed in the March 2003 Model Railroader.

The prototype. Our sample represents Virginian Ry. engine no. 738. Built in the American Locomotive Co.’s Schenectady, N.Y., shops, the engine started out as Norfolk & Western class Y3a no. 2021 in 1919. It was sold in 1944 to the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, which renumbered it 1790, then four years later sold it to the Virginian. It was scrapped in August 1954.

A picture of Virginian 2-8-8-2 no. 741 closely resembles our model, including the angled number boxes that were added by that railroad. These number boxes weren’t used by the Norfolk & Western or the Santa Fe.

Counting rivets. The Y3a was based on the United States Railroad Administration’s 2-8-8-2 design, but Walthers models the N&W’s class Y3a. Even so, the model closely matches the dimensions of a USRA 2-8-8-2 from the 1930 Locomotive Cyclopedia of American Practice.

The locomotive has a utilitarian black paint job with a graphite smokebox and firebox. The minimal yellow lettering is straight, crisp, and vivid, with even the tiny capacity lettering on the tender being readable.

Other details make this model a standout, including fine piping along the boiler, rivet detail on the boiler and tender, metal handrails, and working valve gear.

Removing one screw in the smokestack and one under the cab let me lift off the top of the plastic shell. Inside, a split-frame motor with dual flywheels nestled into the metal frame. Worm gears turn two axles on the rear set of drivers and one on the front set; motive power is transferred to the others via the side rods. All the drivers handle electrical pickup.

Now hear this. Our sample came equipped with a dual-mode sound decoder, meaning it works both under Digital Command Control and direct-current operation. In DC, the decoder makes use of a power pack’s reversing switch to trigger the whistle and bell. The decoder keeps the locomotive moving in the same direction even when the switch is flipped.

The model also comes with a magnetic wand that can be used to program other effects. Placing the wand across the tender while turning the power off or on can control the master volume, turn the locomotive on or off, or return the decoder to factory settings.

The model’s powerful sound system features two downward-facing 1/2″-diameter speakers mounted on the tender’s chassis. Both speakers are well-enclosed so there are no buzzes or rattles, even at full volume.

A powerful puller. Like the prototype, Walthers’ 2-8-8-2 boasts a hefty drawbar pull. The model exerts a pull of 2.1 ounces, which is equivalent to 50 N scale freight cars on straight and level track.

Although all the drivers have flanges, our sample easily transited a 93/4″ radius curve, since both sets of drivers swivel (unlike the prototype). However, the Y3a would look best on broader curves.

I tested the model first under direct current. At almost 4 volts, the sound of the steam engine started. At 9 volts, the locomotive crept along at 1.3 scale mph. At 10 volts, it reached 34 scale mph, close to the prototype’s typical top speed. At 12 volts, the locomotive moved at 69 scale mph.

In Digital Command Control, the model started and ran rather hesitantly at lower speed settings. This evened out somewhat when I increased the model’s starting voltage (Configuration Variable 2). Switching to 128 speed steps made it easier to control the locomotive’s speed in the lower ranges.

Big sound in N scale. The upgraded Walthers model is a smooth-performer, especially in DCC. With sounds appropriate for a hard-working Mallet, this N scale Y3a now sounds as good as it looks.

N scale 2-8-8-2 Mallet
Price: Direct-current, $224.98; with Digital Command Control and sound, $324.98
Manufacturer
Wm. K. Walthers
P.O. Box 3039
Milwaukee, WI 53201
www.walthers.com
Road names: Virginian Ry.; Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Ry.; Norfolk & Western; Pennsylvania RR; Union Pacific; (two road numbers each in DCC, one in DC), and undecorated version
Features
Blackened RP-25 contour nickel-silver wheels (in gauge)
Can motor with dual flywheels
Optional user-applied tender doghouse
Proto-Max magnetic knuckle coupler on tender (at correct height)
QSI Quantum sound system (DCC models only)
Traction tires on last set of drivers (user-replaceable)
Weight: 5 ounces (without tender, 3.25 ounces)