It has been so long since I put a prototype up here, I can't stand it. Got four new Niagara photos from Bob Spaugh this week, and have to show at least one. 6024 Taken by Bob Schell at Englewood, and just gotta say, aren't these beauties?
I can only dream about having a few of them on my nscale layout. Thanks for the pick of one of my favorite steam locos. I heard once that a Niagra had about 6000 HP all tuned up is that true? [ 14. May 2003, 15:54: Message edited by: randy shepler ]
Randy, the NY Central did loads of tests on their engines using dynamometer cars. According to Al Staufer, the Niagara developed 6,600 HP. They also had a tractive force of 61,500 lb. Fantastic engines. No survivors.
Its really amazing that after all these years diesels really haven't caught up to the pulling power of one of these. Its a shame that so much of the Centrals history was scrapped for the few bucks that a junk dealer would give them.
Ok, we can't see them anymore "in the flesh", but it's possible to listen to a pacing sequence here: http://www.giancarlodemarco.com/NYC/prophet5.ram Bye! Giancarlo
Giancarlo, that's great! Where did you find it? Somewhere in the cobwebs of my mind I think I heard it once before.
I'm a huge fan of the Niagaras, too - unmatched pulling power, awesome lines. I like them best of all 4-8-4's, and 4-8-4's are my favorite steam! I have recently pulled in several Bachmann 4-8-4's from eBay in N scale that I am going to be reworking into Niagaras. Last month I did a rework of the ATSF prototype for a buddy, and got a lot of response (thread is in the N scale section here on the Trainboard). Since there seems to be interest out there, I decided to make some molds and see how it'd work out. And I figured if I'm going to go through the trouble to make a custom detail set for a 4-8-4, you can bet it's gonna be a Niagara! David
