Most accurate model of N&W 611

I believe Sunset and possibly Max Gray did them.  Spoked wheels were replaced with solid toward the end of steam.

I own a 2-rail Williams, and am quite happy with it.  I have heard there are major issues with it - boiler taper, cylinder shape . . . but not being all that picky, I did not make a big deal out of it.  You might check on the 2-rail forum.  There are a couple of very serious N&W modelers there.

Here's the Max Gray engine (representing No's. 600 - 604, the first group), as illustrated in the MG Spotter Guide from Model Graphics. I don't know anything about its overall accuracy.

I think I have an answer for you from probably the most knowledgable N&W modeler in O Scale.  Just in case I do something wrong, i will put the link in a separate post.  I think the MTH is the winner.  Bear in mind, I am not the expert - just repeating stuff.

And oh, by the way, apparently there was a definitive thread on the subject here maybe several years ago.  I must have missed it.

Here is the link:

http://www.modeltrainjournal.c...amp;p=322914#p322914

loco2124 posted:

Have been studying photos of current models of N&W 611 and having a hard time deciding which is most accurate a far as details, proportions, etc.  Not so much looking for operating qualities or sound, mainly for static display. 

Personally, for the money, I would purchase the MTH Premier version.

Have seen some that look pretty good and have spoked lead wheel sets whereas the prototype has solid wheels so am getting  a little confused here.  Nothing like a side by side comparison of the models in person but not able to do that.  Any thoughts would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Just was down in Roanoke to see and ride and now have an itch for the model...

bob2 posted:

Here is the link:

http://www.modeltrainjournal.c...amp;p=322914#p322914

"Tandem drive rods are best on the Overland and Sunset. MTH doesn't even try to do the rods correctly, but somehow they come across to me as pretty plausible. The Lionel has the rods pretty well positioned but somehow they still don't look good. You can barely tell they are tandem rods."

Hello bob2,  Followed you link and appreciate it very much.  Above is a quote from the link and am not sure what "tandem drive rods" are. Could you or anyone please explain?  Thanks again.

Sure.  On the real thing the #2 and3 drivers are connected with two side rods, acting in tandem. The rods to #1 and 4 fit the pins in between the central pair.

I am trying to think of a common application - think of it this way:

The shop slides the central rod on its crankpins, then slides on the two outer rods. Then along comes another rod, slid onto those central driver pins.  Not sure how the main rod fits - the further away from the driver casting, the more likely problems will arise from over-stress.  I can look it up . . .

Hi,

There are some considerations to make about details and era. For 611 the tandem rods were removed after a major accident in 1956. Williams rods will be good for that year forward. If you are not a real big nitpicker, the Williams engine is a lot of engine for $300.

Bob, I appreciate the sentiment about "most knowledgeable N&W in 0 scale,"  but that is not even close to true if you are referring to me, and not even something with which I'd want to be perceived. If not, then, as Rosannadanna used to say, "Neeevermind."

I seldom "criticize" Williams/Samhongsa brass - I love it and find it the best value around - but if you are simply going to display the model you might want to look at the Wms J more critically - and what I mean is the too-shiny paint and the bright and shiny wheels/tires. (My Wms brass Niagara's wheels and rods have been painted black, and the locomotive weathered/Dullcoted). The bright side rods are OK for "new".

The Wms J is actually a very nice model, but it has a "presentation" problem, which is what you want to do, is it not? But - they're cheap, and so is Dullcote and flat black paint.

Thanks all for the replies.  I just bought a nice looking MTH Premier J for $350 plus shipping from Ebay. Will look good on display and remind me of the experience of it smoking it up on Christiansburg grade.  Thanks again.

that's not a bad deal at all!.....that's a nice model..

The Williams and early MTH Premier editions have the wrong trailing truck (MTH did fix this in a later run). I haven't kept up with all of the later variations from each maker because I don't need another one, but, I do think the latest MTH Premier edition was nice looking since it had the dual lubricator rods on the engineer's side.

Big Jim posted:

The Williams and early MTH Premier editions have the wrong trailing truck (MTH did fix this in a later run). I haven't kept up with all of the later variations from each maker because I don't need another one, but, I do think the latest MTH Premier edition was nice looking since it had the dual lubricator rods on the engineer's side.

Also the latest version of the 611 from MTH has the bell on the Firemans side of the locomotive just in front of the cylinders.

I wish 3rdRail would make an accurate version of 611 in excursion service. No one has accurately produced this locomotive in three rail. I would love one. I currently own three J's. One is the MTH Premier from 1998. The other two are Lionel. None are up to snuff in my opinion.

loco2124 posted:

Have seen some that look pretty good and have spoked lead wheel sets whereas the prototype has solid wheels so am getting  a little confused here. 

The first generation 600-604 were equipped with spoked pilot wheels. 

I suspect that all of the second generation of unshrouded Js 605-610 may also have had spoked pilot wheels. I have seen pictures of 605 and 606 with them. 

FWIW the unshrouded Js also had a different pilot.

 The 611 has always had solid front pilot wheels.