Life-Like 2-8-8-2

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USRA 2-8-8-2 Steam Locos

2-8-8-2 New Run - Limited

Photo courtesy of Life-Like, HO Scale models shown.

"THE BEST LOCO OF ALL TIME"

... (Review of HO Scale Model) in Model Railroading March/April 2000

First built for the Southern Pacific in 1909 to tame its tough western grades, the 2-8-8-2 articulated Mallet soon caught the attention of roads facing similar problems. In 1910, Norfolk and Western ordered five 2-8-8-2s (Class Y-1) similar to the SP models from Baldwin. By 1918, lessons learned from the first group led to an improved version, the Y-2; with minor changes to the cylinders, these became Class Y-2a, which served as the basis for the United States Railway Administration (USRA) 2-8-8-2.

Although delivered too late for the war effort, the N&W received 50 of the USRA engines in 1919, which it classified as Y-3. In 1923 another 30 were ordered with larger tenders (Y-3a), followed by 10 more in 1927 fitted with feedwater heaters.

During World War II, several Y-3s were sold to various western railroads that were desperate to ease motive power shortages. Although well suited to coal-hauling duties in the Appalachians, the big articulateds proved too slow for most of their new owners and they were retired or sold following the war. At home, Y-3s remained in service until 1958.

New USRA 2-8-8-2's from Life-Like
Quantities will be limited due to small production runs. Locos feature:

Available in Analog and DCC versions equipped with Quantum® Sound*
Equipped with AccuMate® Knuckle Coupler
Heavy Diecast Split Frame Chassis
Flywheel Equipped ... smooth operation comes standard!
Nickel-Silver plated wheels with correct RP25 Contours
Operating Cab Windows (same as featured in HO Scale version)!
Constant Intensity & Directional Headlights
Meticulously Detailed Cab Interior - & - Railroad Specific Details
*Sound Specifics:
Sounds works with all NMRA Std DCC systems or DC Analog systems with controler (MRC Black Box)
Includes: Exhaust, Whistle, Bell, Squealing Brakes, Doppler Effect, Air Let Off, Turbo Generator Whine and "Trailer Mute" so second unit in double heading will behave prototypically.