What was the biggest engine ever made? Is it in HO scale?
well, the one of the -arguably- largest locomotives ever built was the 2-8-8-8-2 triplex locomotive, but it was not succsesful. The Big Boy was one of the largest succsesful locomotives ever built, but I beleive the 2-6-6-6 alghany was heavier than the big boy.
so, the largest locomotive ever built is a very controversial topic, but the big boy is definitely the largest succsesful locomotive ever built
And MTH is bringing the Triplex to HO
When will that engine be out? I'm looking forward to getting it! I love large steam.
Alex
I believe its already out! Retail price $499.95
Oh? Okay, I'm going to MTH's website right now to check one out! ;D
Alex
My railroad has no need of a Triplex of any sort. However, I'vd seen that it is actually a small engine as artiulateds go
By weight and drawbar horsepower the "biggest" goes to the 2-6-6-6. Of course.
Gene
Ya, I saw the 2-8-8-8-2, it wasn't the biggest I've seen. I'm thinking either big boy or the 2-6-6-6...
Alex
Again, it depends on your meaning of the word "biggest." If you say biggest refers to the number of drivers, than an x-8-8-8-x would be the biggest.
By sheer weight or drawbar horsepower, its the 2-6-6-6.
If you go by locomotive and tender length, it's the 4-8-8-4.
Then you could compare grate area, height, whatever.
Gene
Wha' 'bout the Russian's 4-14-4!
Considering what happened to the designers of the 4-14-4, I thought it best left off the post in front of the brick wall. :D In any event, 8+8=16, while 14+0=14.
Gene
Uncle Joe turned his "superior" locomotive into a few T-54's. The actual designers were at a university and had never designed a steam locomotive. Same problem we have with many products, people design things they've never seen or used.
A rigid frame will only work so well on curved track based on its total driver wheelbase. Many European locomtives that were ten and twelve coupled were narrow gauge with very small drivers spread out to distribute the weight on light track.
The Russian monster was much bigger than UP's 4-12-2 and was tried on what might as well have been a siding. The rail was 75lb/yd when the locomotive had an axle loading like Gene's beloved 2-6-6-6s. My understanding was that it went less then 25 miles and ruined all the track it ran on.
The great Northern R2 gets my vote....so der ;)
And people ask why so many manufacturers build Big Boys.
:)
I will also vote for the R-2!!
hotrainlover
Were could I find a..."R2"...?
Alex
Didn't the Russians build atleast one double mountain garrett? Didn't that get top honors for weight for a while? but being broad guage I guess their stuff is disqualified
That would be another category - heaviest broad gauge - which the Soviet "Invitation to an Execution" locomotive was, also. :D
Then, biggest narrow gauge.......
Gene
Quote from: rains train on January 29, 2008, 08:33:33 PM
Were could I find a..."R2"...?
alex
Athough there were numerous runs produced The Great Northern R1- R2s are only available as brass imports. these were made by Pacific Fast Mail, Oriental and Key imports.
These models often show on Ebay but unfortunely they will useally go for $1000-$2000. and rare is the one that goes for below $800.
I was extremly lucky to find one at a swapmeet needing major repairs that I could afford.
LNER's U1 class number 2395 garratt. 2-8-8-2
Pretty big for a British locomotive:
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/2395_LNER_U1_Garratt_official_photo.jpg/800px-2395_LNER_U1_Garratt_official_photo.jpg)
And for a model which will run on 16.5mm track, try the DJH kit:
(http://www.crphillips-models.co.uk/Model%20Pix/LNER%20Models/LNER%20Garratt.JPG)
(http://www.djhmodelloco.co.uk/prodhuge/K40.jpg)
RRP: £115
OOO, I like the it..I might get me one of those.
Does anyone have a picture of an R2..?
Alex
Actually, the Northern Pacific 2-8-8-4 was larger in many respects than the Big Boy. After stem had been succeeded by diesels, the NP relocated part of its line due to a new reservoir being made . The decided that mechanical tamping would take too long so they pulled a 2-8-8-4 out of the deadline and used it to tamp the roadbed into place. .
It had a larger firebox than the big boy and 2-6-6-6. (Source: Trains Magazine)
I suppose some one out there has the stats for 3 criteria as whos da biggest. Wheel arrangement, white system, was there any more axles than the double mountain garretts? weight in tons,might be the yellowsones? tractive effort in pounds,might be the Alleghanies? or big boys. starting tonnage can't really count, cause some little consuls with boosters outdid some giants, but not quickly. Thank you Stanier Jack for the pics of the garrett, I'm sure lots of people on here never saw one before, an interesting education can be had here, I wish I had shots of a gmam on digital,the heaviest on narrow guage, I'm working on it...thanks again Jack
The Russians had a Nuclear powered train that was a dud many years ago. It was kept top secret, but some info leaked out. I had an artist rendition of it and a report on my old PC that crashed on me and I lost all the info. It was about 50% longer than the Big Boy and was 2 stories high. I think they called it "Big Joe". The story said they got it about 100 feet outside the building where it was constructed and one of the reactors had a melt down and it sunk up in the permafrost, right where it set. They wanted to hold the "big loco" record, but had to cover up their blunder. I have not been able to find the article again. If anyone has any info on it, could you let me know.
Speaking strictly to successful reciprocating steam locomotives: The Union Pacific Big Boy was the longest, The C&O/VGN Allegheny/Blue Ridge was the heaviest, and The Norfolk and Western Y6b had the greatest tractive effort..... after the VGN 2-10-10-2. ;D I don't count the Triplex because it was not successful.
Quote from: chuff_n_puff on January 31, 2008, 12:30:09 PM
The Russians had a Nuclear powered train that was a dud many years ago. It was kept top secret, but some info leaked out. I had an artist rendition of it and a report on my old PC that crashed on me and I lost all the info. It was about 50% longer than the Big Boy and was 2 stories high. I think they called it "Big Joe". The story said they got it about 100 feet outside the building where it was constructed and one of the reactors had a melt down and it sunk up in the permafrost, right where it set. They wanted to hold the "big loco" record, but had to cover up their blunder. I have not been able to find the article again. If anyone has any info on it, could you let me know.
(http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/tdomf/22885/choo-choo.jpg)
?
No, this is a big Steam Engine, not those tiny locmotives above ::)
http://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic_engine_room.shtml (http://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic_engine_room.shtml)
LOL, Titanic's engine room, I love the Titanic!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Alex
Join the Titanic Historical Society. And yes, the Titanic had large steam engines, one of which was a turbine and one of the factors in her sinking.
Gene
Quote from: Virginian on January 31, 2008, 01:06:41 PM
Speaking strictly to successful reciprocating steam locomotives: The Union Pacific Big Boy was the longest, The C&O/VGN Allegheny/Blue Ridge was the heaviest, and The Norfolk and Western Y6b had the greatest tractive effort..... after the VGN 2-10-10-2. ;D I don't count the Triplex because it was not successful.
The Union Pacific has the best public relation staff.
Talk about having a good agent!!
I see, I'm looking for the longest!
Alex