Modelling the N&W Y3 class (Page 2 of 3)
Choosing the Lifelike "Heritage" model of the Y3
class 2-8-8-2
The Lifelike "Heritage" Y3 class 2-8-8-2
Atcheson Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad
This model is produced as #1790, and #1791 (First Release October
1999).
8 of the Y3 were sold by the N&W to the AT&SF RR, for
service over Raton Pass, New Mexico. Many photos of these engines
can be found in books illustrating operations of the Santa Fe
railroad. These photos include the heading of diesel passenger
trains over Raton Pass, so there is plenty of scope for modelling
the operation of these locomotives. #1791 was first allocated
to work the Kansas City hump yard.
The Santa Fe accepted these engines as delivered from N&W
with their distinctive tenders, and the pilot fabricated from
old boiler tubing. The Santa Fe removed the doghouse from the
top of the tender. All the engines except ATSF #1797 were subsequently
sold to the Virginian RR in late 1947. #1797 was scrapped in August
1947.
I cannot without looking at either model, picture the
difference between the models. Lifelike says #1790 differs from
#1791 only in the headlight, which is mounted slightly to the
rear of the front deck. I would suggest that 1790 has the large
bridge pipe between the front cylinders.
The image of the Lifelike model, taken from the
Lifelike website.
If you missed the first release, and want to model an ATSF
engine, the safest way is to buy the Virginian model, and repaint
it. (All but one of the ATSF engines was sold to the VGN- see
table on another page). You could also buy the model of the UP
engine #3671, as this would be substantially the same as the ATSF
purchases. The N&W #2050 could be used also, but the dog box
on the tender needs to be removed.
Notes on technical features
of the Y classes, and modifying other models.
Interesting prototype information,
elevations and cross sections plans, and photographs of the Y3
class are contained in the December 1999 and subsequent issues
of Mainline Modeler magazine, published by Hundman Publishing
Inc.