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It seems as though bigger is always more popular. Think about the number of Big Boy models that have been produced. Even the "small" engines sometimes end up as underscale versions of big locomotives. I for one would like to see more small locomotives like the MTH Consolidation, but in scale-specific versions, more like the 3rd Rail S.P. series.

Can anyone tell me what small Santa Fe 3 rail steam locomotives are out there, scale sized and true to the prototype?

Jim
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I have 2x 3rd Rail Santa Fe 2-8-0s. Smallest ATSF I have. These pop up on ebay from time to time. They are conventional so you have to either put a PS/2 kit or ERR in them if you want command control. The ps/2 kit is a very tight fit but as you can see it works! Also the smoke escaping from the headlight hole has been fixed :-)

Here's a quick video after a PS/2 kit install:

Pecos River Brass made these Santa Fe "small" 3450 class Hudsons. There was a larger 3460 class that MTH makes. This are about the next size up from the 2-8-0 Trevize listed. The manufacturer is selling the remaining engines on ebay. They are not command control. They listed for $1350 when new and are a VERY nice engine.



One other engine is a Weaver 2-8-0 that was done a few years back. It is based on a Baldwin 2-8-0 and was very similar to some Baldwin 2-8-0'a Santa Fe owned. I think they were from the 2800 class, but not sure.
quote:
Originally posted by Trevize:
I have 2x 3rd Rail Santa Fe 2-8-0s. Smallest ATSF I have. These pop up on ebay from time to time. They are conventional so you have to either put a PS/2 kit or ERR in them if you want command control. The ps/2 kit is a very tight fit but as you can see it works! Also the smoke escaping from the headlight hole has been fixed :-)


I kick myself for not having bought one of those way back when. Hopefully I'll be able to snag one on eBay. Nice conversion. That's exactly what I plan to do if I ever get my hands on one.

BTW, which sound set did you use?
I have the 3rd Rail 2-8-0 upgraded to DCS. Great little engine. I also have the recent MTH Pacific (4-6-2) which while not small, is at last mid sized and is very nice. This (thread) is exactly why some us keep campaigning for 3rd Rail to do a run of ATSF prairie's. Prairies were common, there's many survivors in various parks around the southwest, and would fit great on most layouts. And they have their own unique charm!
There is an article in the Jan/Feb issue of O Scale Trains of a super detailed PRB Prairie.

http://www.oscalemag.com/docs/ost_30.pdf

Very nice work.

I'd love to see somebody make a new model of this loco but fear a 3rd Rail version would be beyond my budget. And I get the feeling Lionel/MTH will never make it. They only do small locos they can sell in various road names. The only road specific locos they do seem to be large and high end.
The Prairie would be about perfect. If 3rd Rail did offer one I think I'd find a way to buy it.

Way back when in the 1970s I was into HO. Even then I liked the smaller engines and remember a Baldwin 2-8-2 logging engine by Northwest Short Line as one of my favorites. It may have had 44" drivers; I don't really remember. A small driver 4-6-0 would be nice, too, though this type of stuff is better for the short line modeler.

Jim
Jim,

Feel free to write to Scott Mann about the ATSF Prairie... I tried this a few months ago but got no feedback. ATSF modellers are rare and this model, although it calls a hefty price on Da-Bay, does not seem to raise a lot of enthusiasm. So we are stuck with the Pecos River Brass, rare and overly priced. On top of this, according to all the people I have heard, it is a lemon with no running capabilities.

Definitely a niche for 3Rd Rail Sunset... Be my guest.

Yves
quote:
Originally posted by DominicMazoch:
Why is 1010 in RED!


I was told by another forum member a while back that it was used in a B&W movie and was painted to look better in that format.

It was one of the engines used by Death Valley Scotty on his chartered speed run.

I would like a red one for my Harvey House Fantasy Set.

Hmmmm, if I make up my own fantasy set is it a fantasy fantasy set?

**************************************************

Erik C Lindgren, absolutely incredible pictures!
Last edited by zhyachts
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