What is the #1 missing product

[nkp_174]

The CNR rostered 366 Consolidations with drivers sized between 50" and 57", but they also owned 486 that were equipped with 63" drivers. Not exactly an "odd-ball" size for them, at least.

Wayne

Interesting. I'm glad that the NKP was the NYC's white elephant...as the NYC did have a number of G-5 and G-16 2-8-0s which the NKP inherited to make use of the Spectrum 2-8-0.

Were the TH&B's berks sisters to the A-1? I'm personally baffled by MTH offering the fourth plastic/diecast Van Swearigan berk...and it is an S-1 (not the popular S-2s) just like the Rivarossi, P2K, and Bachmann versions...why not an A-1?

Russ, there were a number of standard designs. In the narrow gauge realm, there were three basic sets of 2-8-0 running gear. In the standard gauge realm, there were also a number of standard designs. Typically, aside from 4-8-4s, the manufacturers have focused in on some of these. The Harriman lines had common designs...and there were the USRA designs...and then there were the WW2 restrictions. The NKP, C&O, PM, RF&P, VGN, and W&LE all operated Van Swearigan berks. Additionally, the L&N 2-8-4s were quite close to the Van Swearigan berks. I'm under the impression that most of the other 2-8-4s (the Erie being the noteworthy exception) were fairly close to, or direct copies of, the prototype A-1 (B&A, B&M, & IC being direct copies). At present, it would probably be easiest to build the pre-1934 (& DT&I) berks using a USRA 2-8-2 chassis.

Another example of common power was the C&O T-1 copies on the PRR that outlasted the PRR's famed duplexes. The KCS's 2-10-4s were also quite similar, and a C&O 2-10-4 could be redetailed to KCS...the biggest changes being boxpok drivers, reversing the domes, and a closed cab. I believe that most of the other 2-10-4s, aside from the ATSF, were pretty similar to the T&P's original stretched A-1.

Steam locomotive designs didn't vary as much as people think...as many of the variations were in the cylinder size, boiler pressure, and such. I've heard so many times that "such & such model isn't close to anything blankety-blank had"...when in fact it is spot on for 1920, but needs extensive detailing for 1950. Generally, there were only a few basic variations...such as 60"-63" drivers or 69"-70" on modern freight power, and 73" or 80" drivers on modern passenger power. Of course, those of us willing to re-detail are a tiny portion of the market Excellent HO mechanisms exist for most modern locomotives.