Updated with Question - Railking Imperial Y6B

I don't own one, but here's a decent video from Youtube.

Here is some video of 2 different flavors of Challengers.

I have the N&W RailKing Imperial Y6B and it is my most run and favorite steam engine that will handle 031 curves. It has pulled more then 50 cars with no problems, looks and sounds fantastic, and with over 300 hours of operation has not failed me once.

Here is a pic I took 6 years ago, as you can see the layout was just getting started.

I had one before I switched to scale, it ran fantastic, smoked fantastic(of course) and has argueably one of if not the best sounding hooter whistles of any guage. My only gripe is that the locomotive itself is a bit overly compressed, specifically the boiler, which unlike the prototype, stops short of the front drive wheels. If mth were to add an inch to the boiler it would be a better looking semiscale loco. 

Thanks all. Appreciate it. I have heard and seen them in person although it has been a while since then but I can't argue with Rick that the whistle is spot on and sounds great. 

I thought the "Imperial" line was supposed to be scale.  So, only the Premiere y6b is scale?  How does it compare to the Rail King?

Mike

Mike, the Railking Imperial models retain Railking proportions but have near Premier level detail. Premiers are the highly detailed, scale models. Railkings are smaller and the details are less although with the "Imperial" series Railking steam locomotives (not all are Imperials), you get many of those details seen only on Premier pieces such as legible builders plates, real coal load, tender truck chains, etc, etc. 

Paul,

Do you have a photo shot at track level of the front of the engine? No big deal if you don't - how much of the motor/motor mount do you see on the front driver set? 

Here is a couple of pix of mine.

It is an awesome running engine; one of my favorites.

Rod

Thanks for the photos Rod. Nice layout as well! 

Ah, sort of the opposite of "Rail King Scale", then.  It will be fun to go to York and see the differences between the two (Premiere and Imperial) and hopefully pick up one or the other.  I really like the look of the Y6B.

Mike

Mike,

Any recent MTH Catalog will give you a good description, along with actual photos, of each category of Railking products in the first few pages. I recommend you check that out. 

 Again...for those that have the Y6, how much of the motor/motor mount is visible under the first engine truck? Is the motor and mount also visible under the second engine truck? Thanks! 

 Here is a photo of my 9 year old Railking UP Challenger, what a workhorse, It runs on O31 ok but you have to watch the rear cab swing , it is one of my favorite engines and love how MTH has captured the sounds of the Mallet, Go for it.

I realize it is not the Y6B but other than the Pilot truck arrangement it is the same and mechanically reliable.

I know am gonna get attack for using the term Pilot-truck but that is what my Father a B & O engineer from 1941/1974 called them he and his Brother  a B & O MOW Supervisor always argued, Uncle Lee said they were called Lead-Trucks or the Pony. so the debate is nothing new.

Jim;

Nice picture.

That's #3983, right?

Rod

Thanks Rod That is correct # 3983

Pulled the trigger. Y6B Coal set should be here early next week. 

Some imperial steamers are very close to scale, like the k4. It looks in place 

Some imperial steamers are very close to scale, like the k4. It looks in place next to a premier engine

SJC;

You won't be sorry! Enjoy your new engine.

Thanks for the layout comment BTW.

It is a work in progress and it has changed a lot since that picture.

I hope it's never finished! That would take all the fun away.

Rod

Went out to lunch this afternoon and the Y6B Coal set was waiting on the front steps. The engine is running around the layout now solo. Really nice engine and sounds terrific. Had a nice note from Johnny at Eastside Trains in the box as well. 

Questions: 

1) Can I turn the lead pick up roller around on the engine without any problems or will it cause pick up issues? 

2) I like to hear the out of sync chuffing on articulateds. Is there a setting I need to play with in order for it to chuff in and out of sync or does it just do it on its own? 

3) My first PS2 articulated. Have a K-line TMCC Allegheny but it is a shelf queen. I assume 4 chuffs is correct right? If not, what is? 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...x=7&feature=plcp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...=plcp&playnext=1

Congratulations!

Not sure about the front roller; try it and see I guess. Does it interfere with something?

There is no adjustment for the driver sync. The sound file just automatically fades it in and out. It is very neat though that the smoke chuffs also go in and out of sync with the sounds. Very interesting as low speeds.

4 chuffs per rev PER DRIVER SET is correct. You should get a total of 8 chuffs per driver rev; but set the chuff rate at 4 with your handheld.

Why is your K-Line a shelf queen?

Rod

Thanks Rod.

The front (and rear pair) of rollers get stuck between the slightly raised center rail on the Lionel switches and the frame. I've ordered a Ross switch to try.

K-line unit blew its boards and my LHS didn't have anymore of the boards (weren't made anymore) and it was too small to install DCS (and not worth the cost also). On the shelf it is, gutted and dusty!

How did Eastside Trains treat you? I'm hearing a whimper..or a moan coming from the north side of the Beltway.   My analysis tells me it's your credit card weeping knowing that York is 2 weeks away and Eastside was two weeks ago!!  It sounds like Johnny took care of you.

Oh my...rest assured my wondering and confused Baltimore and "Yawn..." Ohio friend. I'm picking up a Lionel Northern Pacific U30C in 2 weeks.

Wallet is hurting David yes but I couldn't be happier. Entire deal went very well and Johnny and Eastside were great to deal with. Had a nice note asking for me to send their regards your way. 

Not going to York so I'll be ok....!

Wait until you see this engine....you will like it!