Right-Of-Way Industries N3 2-8-8-0

I have several of the big ROW mallets. It is very difficult to repair them, because parts are not available.  I would bid on the assumption that you will not be able to fix it, unless it's a question of a wire being loose. Even so, they are not easy to "open up".  Yet, they are beautiful locomotives and I don't care if the bells ring or don't. (Actually their whistles are much better than the bells).  The prices today are way below what they once were, and in my opinion they are wonderful pieces.  Also keep in mind that it will cost you a lot of money to try to convert them to DCS or TMCC.  I run mine conventional.

Lewrail

Stay away from any ROW locomotive, they are hard to fix, no parts and next to impossible to upgrade. Even when they were new they were way overpriced junk IMO. 

The sound system is probably made by Ott. Long out of business, no parts, and highly unlikely you would ever find anyone who is familiar with it. 

Also, Ott had no back up battery so the second the power is off or hits a bit of bad track the sound stops. Wasn't too bad at the time but compared to today it's not worth it. Don

Most of these locos were made to run on 042 track, and as such were the first 3-rail Mallets for small radius until MTH strarted their RailKing line. Lewrail is right, they're easier to convert to straight conventional, rather than try to squeeze in modern electronics. They're $till too expen$ive for me.

What makes you think that TMCC or PS2 needs to be "squeezed" to fit in the tender of a ROW articulated?

Do those ROW models have fly-wheels on the motors? If they are equipped with fly-wheels, it should NOT be a big problem to install an ERR up-grade kit.

I have had first hand experience converting the U.P. 2-8-8-0 for a friend, to a QSI sound system (PS-2 wasn't possible see below) and although it turned out well, I agree with David and would caution against buying one. The loco has both motor/driver assemblies suspended each by one small screw and each set of drivers pivots unlike the real one. There are no flywheels and no way to install them, because the motors are mounted vertically with no space available. This are dated in terms of detail and features.

Eric Hofberg

TCA, LCCA

Do those ROW models have fly-wheels on the motors? If they are equipped with fly-wheels, it should NOT be a big problem to install an ERR up-grade kit.

 With ERR you DON'T NEED a Flywheel! My PRR T1 and PA-1's have quality Pittman Can motors. I can't see why TMCC w/ ERR couldn't be added.

If I was you, I would stay away from this locomotive.

ROW items were pioneering, but I've heard stories about their design/quality that are

all over the map; the PRR T1 is not a particularly good replica - but no one else had one

out. 

I have 2 of their B&O-prototype 0-4-0's. Made by Ajin. They run like watches. I plan

to put a DC Commander in one - the gearing is good so cruise is not needed. It's

lettered for the GN, so I'll replace the road name. The antenna is going to be a pain.

I believe that it tested well over my GG switches when last I ran it - I'll confirm -

the lack of traction tires really helps.

I own no other ROW items; I'd love to have their brass PA's (I've seen them), but

no ROW item is worth the price people tend to ask for it.

Thank you everyone.  I'm glad I passed.  I have small radii thus was intrigued by the 0-42.

rattler21:  I have two mint (never out of the shipping cartons) 600 W "Max" transformers built by Bill Benson.  However, they are the forest green color versions.  Was going to let them go, but my good friend Marty Fitz recommended I keep them...he also uses them on his layout as has been featured quite a few times in OGR.

we need to realize these engines were made at a time when your other choices were post war and mpc lionel. there was no 3rd rail,atlaso , or mikes. bill b.'s company opened the door to todays scale detailed locos. i attended several of the open house events r.o.w. had at their akron,ohio location. remember  how well the equipment ran on the display layout. i just did not agree with some of the business practices,but thats another topic.-jim

we need to realize these engines were made at a time when your other choices were post war and mpc lionel. there was no 3rd rail,atlaso , or mikes.

NOt quite. Looking at all my sales brochures, this ROWI loco was announced in 1990 and arrived some time in 1991. This was the Pinacle of Williams/Samhongsa/Mike Wolf brass production. Granted if you wanted A "GREAt NORTHERN" scale Loco, your choices were limited to the statement above since the next Great Northern Articulated wasn't until Weaver Samhongsa did the R1 in the mid 1990's.

I have a R-O-W transformer that Barrett rebuilt about twelve years ago.

Very powerful and sturdy.

That's Odd.  Why would Jim Barrett neeed to rebuild such a quality transformer? That powerhouse was Built !

I believe that would have been Weaver's GN R-2...not the R-1.  Still a great looking engine and the only one ever done in the open cab (to my knowledge). 

Although they were the the first big scale locos in three rail, they were junk passed off as a quality product. Bill Benson had no ethics when it came to business. 

I'm glad ROW is gone and it could not have happened to a nicer guy. 

Hey Bill, I still want my refund!! 

coach joe,

        Keep your eyes open for one of these ROW little guys ("Little Joes";"Docksiders"). They came in several road names. As D500 posted, they run like watches. Perfect for tight curves, like their prototypes.

        The tether is designed for a sound system in a car coupled to the locomotive. It appears to be gray in the center photo, but it is black.

Here are a few photos of my Right of Way roster, all purchased within the last 5 years.  All run well, but you have to treat them with care.  I still think the whistle on the C&O mallet is one of the best I've heard.  Lew Schneider