quote:Originally posted by cjack:
I could only find that N&W had a 2-6-6-4. No 2-6-6-2. Maybe I need to look deeper.
Chuck,
You are trying to compare two completely different types of steam locomotives.
First, the 2-6-6-2 "Mallet" locomotives from Lionel you are referring to, are truelly "Mallet" types, i.e. COMPOUND articulated steam locomotives. The high pressure steam was first used in the rear set of cylinders, then exhausted into the front and much larger set of low pressure cylinders.
Second, the C&O, W&LE, N&W, and a few other railroads had quite large rosters of these "Mallet" type compound articulated steam locomotives. The N&W 2-6-6-2 where the "Z" Class, and the C&O's where the H-4, and H-5, and H-6 classes.
Third, the N&W "A" Class you are referring to was NOT a "Mallet" type, but a SIMPLE articulated, where the high pressure steam is used in ALL FOUR cylinders. The N&W "A" Class locomotives where MUCH bigger than the 2-6-6-2 "Mallets", having a MUCH bigger firebox/boiler. Thus the 2-6-6-4 wheel arrangement, with the two axle trailing truck to support the BIG firebox.
Lastly, yes you definately need to "look deeper"!
