3rd Rail 2-6-6-2 articlated: anyone running it?

I didn't know Sunset/3rd Rail made any 2-6-6-2 models. What railroad version are you looking for?

http://www.3rdrail.com/images/cat0900.pdf

Just my opinion, but I would think Scott would make that model again, regardless of "new electronic features". Those of us in 3RS would rather see some different articulated such as:

N&W Class Z 2-6-6-2

GN 2-8-8-0

UP 2-8-8-0

B&O 2-8-8-0

SP AC-9 2-8-8-4 after conversion to oil fired with the former C&O "Simple Simon" tenders.

D&RGW 2-8-8-2 or 4-6-6-4

These are just a quick few that come to mind and which have been requested at shows and comments on the OGR Forum over the last many years.

Great list!  Can we move the SP AC-9 to the top of the list.  Sorry, just being selfish!  I'll keep begging until it's made.

audi---better start your email campaign....

Scott Mann and I have discussed this project many times.  Definitely, start your eMail campaign!

I have contacted him on a couple occasions.  He said his father made a 2 rail model a while back so he didn't think there would be interest from that side.  Making it an Anniversary Edition may change that completely.

Your Sampsons pop up quite often.  I'll let you know if I come across anything.

Sorry, not MY Sampson. Way to small for me, plus I'm not into logging models.

I know better Hot Water.  Your reply came through while I was still typing mine to BradA.

By the way, you were the one that prompted my last email to Scott.  He also responded saying that Lionel already had a nice model.  I told him the problem with that is that it's NOT a 3rd Rail model.  I wish I was going to York as I would like to get some face time with him.  I will have to wait for the fall show.

I remember having the same discussion with the late Mort Mann (Scotts dad), many years ago. Mort indicated that he, Sunset/3rd Rail, was really considering doing the SP AC-9, but suddenly Lionel came out with their "JLC" die cast model, which is the original coal burning version. Mort quickly stopped his project.

I have since discussed this subject a number of times with Scott, pointing out that a Sunset/3rd Rail model of ANY steam locomotive tends to attract a bit of a different customer base than what Lionel models reach. Plus, offering the converted to oil burning AC-9 would be a quite different locomotive than what Lionel did many years ago.

By the way, the Lionel SP AC-9 was only a 2-chuff sound package. I eventually located one at a much reduced price, sent it Train America Studios for up-grade to 4-chuffs & EOB, then had it weathered. It is a very nice model and seems to run well, but of course it is NOT a Sunset/3rd Rail piece.

Let's stay on him about that.  Funny you mention about him having a different customer base as that is exactly what I told him as well.  I have no need for a swinging bells, talking trains, fantasy paint jobs or themes.  For those that want it they have Lionel.  I want prototypical accuracy with as many add on details that you can get on a model train.  For that I need 3rd Rail.  That is Scott's niche and he does it very well.  

Hot Water, I do have Lionel's AC-9 and like the idea of changing it to 4 chuffs.  That is what drew me to this scale before even knowing Sunset 3rd Rail existed.  I would really like to see photos of that model weathered some time.

Well, it may be some time before I can accomplish THAT. I have been running mostly CB&Q and NP lately, but have been thinking about changing the whole engine terminal to SP & UP motive power. I have not done any photography for some months, so I'll have to see what moves me, during the next month or so.

Max Gray made a reasonably good AC-9.  PSC made a very expensive version. Those two plus Lionel probably keep the market sated.

That said, give Scott a deposit.  If he gets enough, I bet he will be happy to make them. His AC-4,5,6 series were among the very best O Scale SP locomotives.

Since this is the 3RS Forum, those Max Gray and PSC models really don't do us guys much good, since they are ONLY 2-Rail.

That said, I think Scott would have excellent response for an oil burning, i.e. later, version of the SP AC-9, which would be offered in both 3-Rail AND 2-Rail scale.

Brad

I would love to see a new O scale diecast model of a Baldwin logging mallet.  But I would suggest basing it on a larger prototype.  The one thirdrail made modeled after the smallest standard gauge mallet Baldwin built.  Basing new tooling on one of the larger 44 inch drivered mallets would open up the possibilities for building accurate models of the various thank configurations as well as tender locomotives and the compounds as well as the simple articulateds with the same basic boiler and running gear tooling.

If you and I could just find about 198 others who are interested in a Baldwin logging mallet we might see it produced.  Unfortunately even a logging mallet is still a relatively small steam locomotive and there seems to be a limited market for smaller steam.  Big locomotives, especially the ones that have survived into excursion service tend to sell the best.  The ex-Weyco 110 (which started working out of Vail) is in excursion service in the Black Hills.  Unfortunately I don't think it has the following of SP 4449, MILW 261, NKP 675, etc.

Basing tooling on one of the even larger 51 inch drivered locomotives like the Sierra/Rayonier 38 might be worth exploring.  The side by side shows the size difference between the 44 and 51 inch drivered mallets.

I kinda like Baldwins.  This is just two 0-6-0s with a lead truck. Next one will be a saddle tanker.  If you build them in 17/64, they don't look so small hauling standard cars.

Bob, who might consider making said engine----would be great in legacy....    I and others have asked lionel

Bob Turner is a HIGHLY accomplished scratch builder, but only for 2-Rail Scale models. He has won MANY modeling contests, and could probably make you a 2-Rail model, if you are inclined to spend THAT much money.

Concerning Lionel, or any other manufacturers of 3-Rail steam locomotive models, offering such a model; I guess would depend on demand and "sale ability". Guess you would have to ask them.

How much is "that much"?     I would want it three rail with ERR===similar features to 3rd Rail...

"That" much is way too much.

But this is a dirt-simple locomotive.  Go back a couple decades in your OGR collection, and take a look at the world's simplest 0-6-0.  All you need is a drill press, some bar rail, scrap brass, and three drivers.  The Mallet is just two of those with a simple hinge pin.

Here is my 3-rail scale switcher.  Myron did not care for it; it has no sound or smoke, and only one roller pickup.  It is 17/64 scale, and those tender trucks are all that is left of my first train set.

Bob2---am I correct to assume you are the Bob Turner referenced here?!    I have just been reading a thread from 07 on Model Train Journal---great work!

So, wild hair here: could you kitbash two Lionel 0-6-0's and have both legacy control and the frame for said locomotive?    Then you need to hook up drivers, build proper frame etc...   Then there is the tender.

Ted,

the sierra 38 would be gorgeous!   If Scott offered it---I would place an order...

Had a great talk with Scott this afternoon; I believe he has a variety of great products and projects coming in the months ahead.    I don't want to talk out of turn, so I will eagerly await his new productions.