Lionel N&W 2-8-8-2 Y6b

A review and running of Lionel's latest 3-Rail O-Scale Norfolk & Western 2-8-8-2 Y6b Steam Locomotive. More videos on my youtube channel and at www.ericstrains.com.

[@user-ig6dm7cq1g]

I love the class a, the y6b, and the y3. I am a super huge fan of the Norfolk and Western Railroad.

[@SteamKing2160]

Love the whistle never heard a great whistle from Lionel like that since they did the Allegheny 1601 and N&W A 1218 back in 1998/1999.

[@Thunderbolt_1000_Siren]

great review.

[@YoFridayGamer]

yo ik you and your vids keep up the great work dude!!!

[@bigharryyy03]

Now who thinks Lionel should remake the Class A? Would love to see a Legacy 1218!

[@electronicjoyride3444]

That would be great! Especially if they had that hooter on it

[@bigharryyy03]

That sounds cool enough, what if they did a Vision version with the whistle steam, depleting coal, swinging bell, and 8 chuffs per revolution?

[@trainlover9943]

harizonwrlss And cylinder steam in all 4 cylinders

[@bigharryyy03]

That sounds like it would be so cool!

[@trainlover9943]

harizonwrlss Yeah, Well lets hope the Next Vision Line engine will be a big steamer.

[@TrainStory281]

Oh Wow Eric, I Love That Hooter Sound on the Whistle. Looks Good and Perfect!

[@NinjagoGuy416]

I gotta give major kudos to Lionel here; the fact that they’ve rendered an extinct locomotive like the Y6b in such stunningly accurate detail completely boggles my mind. They’re clearly very thorough and dedicated in their research and design process. Clearly 100 years of experience does teach you something. Well done, Lionel! 😁

[@scrubbbsyboy844]

14:45 - Eric sitting there holding the whistle button for thirty minutes, gleefully watching the layout room fill with smoke

[@jonnyspeed]

When Lionel gets it right, they REALLY get it right. The sounds are accurate and fantastic! Thanks for the review.

[@elibepyt6738]

Ericstrains The whistle it's absolutly fantastic

[@Ericstrains]

Yeah it is

[@rileye.hearnikzov6029]

+ericstrains you know eric, I watched this on my tv since I have TiVo and it has KZbin. while the train was running I played amazing grace (Sottish Bagpipes) on my phone and since it was a dedication to weaver models when they shutting down like you said.

[@sethreep3755]

Southern Pacific Daylight 4449

[@delhatton]

The sound track of my childhood. Grew up in Williamson.

[@luvindemtrains]

Awesome as always Eric! I'm a diesel man but this is my favorite steam engine. My favorite part of your review is"Get over it or just stop watching the video".

[@BearCreekWoodworking]

Well said Eric about Weaver Models, and yes they will be missed.

[@bradstrains]

Awesome review and engine, Eric. The whistle is fantastic, and the smoke unit appears to work great on it.

[@jordanludewig]

An amazing whistle on an amazing locomotive

[@SteamKing2160]

N&W only ran a couple Y class locomotives after 1960. The last one was retired in 1961.

[@ToledoRails]

Best Lionel product I've seen in a long time. It looks like a proper model, and not "toyish" as some O-gauge models they have do. The quality definitely justifies the price.

[@SteamKing2160]

There is a group called Friends of the N&W Y6B 2174 that is planning to re-construct the 2174 via blueprints of that engine. Also after the 2174 did a Farewell to Steam Excursion in 1958, (more on that in Pocahontas Glory Vol. 5), it was stored in a siding near a scrap yard. People from Roanoke attempted to save the locomotive but when the head of the whole project passed away, the locomotive was cut up for scrap.

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

What’s they’re progress in reconstructing the locomotive?

[@SteamKing2160]

@@That_Thicc_Cat Idk I haven't heard anything from em

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

SteamKing2160 Dang that’s too bad, also thx for responding to a 4 year old comment lol

[@SteamKing2160]

@@That_Thicc_Cat heh ur welcome and yea it sucks but nothing wrong having a Y6b in model train form

[@That_Thicc_Cat]

SteamKing2160 agreed

[@Jared-tf7mi]

Your videos are fantastic and your layout is second to none. I always look forward to a new review or how-to. Thanks for sharing!

[@Steven_Williams]

Great video Eric. Love the detail that went into this model. Great smoke and whistle stream effect! Gonna miss Weaver Models especially their mechanical reefer cars!

[@abk2k3aaronkauflin83]

The n&w hooters have to be one of the best sounding rr whistle ever created

[@BNSFGuy4723]

This has to be my favorite loco of all time, brings back memories from steam Giants across America:)

[@MrStevesTrains]

Love it. Classic Eric video. 😊 Beautiful big steamer. Hope someone makes a new technological version of the Y6B.

[@williamgrahamiii3840]

VERY Impressive. I model N & W and dabble with Virginian and C & O. I run a Class A and a J, along with a lot of rolling stock. I have railroad blood from these roads running through my veins. Thanks, Bill Graham, III, Virginia

[@davidolson379]

Beautiful engine and fantastic review. Thanks Eric!

[@albertteufel2212]

Now here's a Lionel Steam Engine you can really sink your teeth into. The pilot is very well done. Sorry still no Tender Truck Safety Chains but the roof vents open up (listen up M1a), the fireman has a chance he wont lose his foot or leg (M1a), really beautiful add on details, still has switches on the bottom rear of the engine for smoke, program, etc. (I thought Lionel was over this) and what appears to be a great Tender (have to put on my own chains-hint) with more great add on details. I had to end that sentence! Nice Backhead and great lighting too. The printing is clear and the correct Font. Even the builders' plates are legible to my old eyes. UPS Tracking says mine arrives tomorrow. Watching your films is like opening the ends of the packages the day before Christmas. A sneak preview if you will. I've Emailed Harry Hieke about weathering this one along with about 20 N&W Coal Hoppers from Atlas, Lionel, MTH, Weaver and Lionel Head End Express Cars and of course a caboose or three. Still waiting to hear back from him. He knows my health has been pretty poor (every time he calls I'm in the hospital plugged into a bunch of tubes so I must sound pretty bad). Enjoy your work as always. Al Teufel

[@BalticFilms144]

The Lionel Y6b has by far, the best drive gear I've ever seen. Just the extra linkage to the lubricating valve was amazing to see out of a Lionel steam engine.

[@gavinstanfield4404]

This has to be one of my favorite trains

[@watasee9668]

You are right, the whistle is perfect. It takes me back to growing up in West Virginia.

[@sheikahslate0243]

This was one of the last steam trains of America, built from 1948 to 1952. It's unfortunate the real one doesn't exist, but we do have it's twin the Y6a. N&w built their last steam loco, the s1a in December of 1953.

[@SteamKing2160]

My Y6b, the 2200, from the JLC Series has a pulling power of 3lb 14 oz but I discovered why and it's because the traction tires were on the wheels closest to the 2nd cylinder on each side and all the drivers on all 16 drive wheels are sprung which probably act as roller bearings.

[@masonallenbuskirk5648]

What a model, and what a high note of a great locomotive for steam in the USA to go out on.

[@railroadguy100]

This engine is one of the best articulated ones. Great whistle and bell sounds

[@UPDetector]

I got to see 2156 move out of the Museum Of Transportation in Kirkwood Missouri she was a beauty but she went at a snails pace but then again what do you expect for a steamer that's been rusting on the same rails it was displayed in for so many decades, but still to see her drivers in motion than sitting for so long it was well worth my time. Awesome video and review Eric looking forward to your future product updates, and train blogs and whatever else you have for us on your channel.

[@prestonsvideos6133]

I'm glad that there was at least an attempt made to keep steam around.

[@Shipwright1918]

Absolutely spectacular engine, Lionel certainly got the N&W hooter sound down pat!

[@aidenfleming7210]

Love this locomotive and your channel

[@byates59]

FANTASTIC review and FANTASTIC engine Eric!!!!!!!!!! Yeah, I purchased this engine too "2171" and love it! I have not taken it off the tracks since I received it! Lionel did a great job with it and it is definitely worth the big price tag in my opinion! Anyways, thanks for the video bro and have a great Sunday! P.S. I wish I had the funds to purchase Weaver!

[@TweetsieRailroader]

The Price tag's to much for me! 😑😥

[@delpproductions217]

15:33 i can Listen to That whistle All Day 19:09 It’s just a beauty

[@TobyPasman]

That engines puts out a ton of smoke.

[@sleeves_rail_archives]

Great job Eric once again! I had a feeling your pick for BFIMO was going to be the great Whistle on the Y6b! Love the engine and great job Eric!

[@TheSteamChannel]

Beautiful locomotive! I'm looking forward to the BLI Y6B's coming out this Fall. Thanks for the video!

[@TheSteamChannel]

One of many I guess. I do videos on 7.5" gauge live steam trains and will have more quality stuff coming for electric model trains as well.

[@Chessie1985]

Beautiful engine and sounds great and great review Eric!

[@jimspears7538]

Nicely done as usual Eric . I also share your feelings about Weaver Models closing it's doors , very sad ! I believe I have around 90 % Weaver rolling stock on the layout . You and family have a wonderful & safe Christmas . Best regards Oil burner Jim

[@bugsmoran21]

Beautiful Locomotive. Great video. Cheers, Bugs

[@stressedlacky42]

That whistle sounds beautiful!

[@SteamKing2160]

Y6b's did both goods freight service and coal drags. Older Y3's and Y4's were assigned to hump duty and local freight trains. Z class 2-6-6-2's also did local freights as well.

[@nickdeluna8681]

Tell you the truth Eric, when you did use the quilling of the whistle. I think you've nailed it! Love the whistle on that engine. In fact, I would do the same thing like your doing, use the steam whistle for over 30 minutes. I definitely agree, that sound of that whistle sounds loads of fun!

[@mahmoodQureshikohatiPakistan]

Very nice beautiful fantastic locomotive 🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂

[@Ericstrains]

Thank you!

[@dannythecoolboyborto3387]

Cool whistle!

[@Jimboliah3985]

Another interesting fact: one of the Y6b's, engine 2174, was quite an excursion star for the N&W, hauling passenger trains. When steam was phased out on the N&w, 2174 was sold to a scrap yard in Roanoake, Virginia. The owner actually kept the engine in storage so that the local chapter of the NRHS could raise money to buy 2174 from the scrap yard and save her. Said amount of money was $20000.-. But sadly, before the deadline, the the head of the project passed away before the deadline came and the group was never able to save her in time. Sad, right? : (

[@johnsiders7819]

Jim van der Kolk just 20 K ? Wow

[@CNTrainMan5762]

It's f*cked up that she was scrapped.

[@henryszubielski8601]

WOW! All the additional added on detailing! And I thought the Big Boy and Allegheny were nice. Great whistle (IMHO). Great review Eric. Thanks.

[@waltworld]

Great detail. Thanks for the review and posting.

[@BLWorks1982]

Awesome review!!! Amazing whistle!!! Love it, I want one!

[@ksokie63]

Good day Eric , another great video. Hope you had a great 4th of July. Thanks for sharing . Keep up the great videos.

[@j.christopherlindsey8933]

The "add on part" forward of the stack is part of the superheater equipment. Earlier Ys had the superheater equipment mounted on the fireman's side of the boiler with the two air compressors on the engineer's side to balance weight. With the Y6b, they moved the superheater equipment to the smoke box and again to keep balance, relocated one air compressor to the fireman's side. Just an interesting tidbit if you watch old videos; can't make out the road number, but look for those small features and you can tell if it's a Y6b or not. Doesn't really matter though, since at the end all Y class locomotives were upgraded to match the Y6b in output regardless of equipment arrangement. Update: Watched a little further and heard the whistle. Yeah, that's a pretty good single chime "hooter." And they seem to have gotten the "chuffing" down right as a Mallet had more of a sloshy, "single chuff." A lot I have heard from other models is the out of synch, sharper "double chuff" more associated with simple articulateds (or like a doubleheader.)

[@Patrick_3751]

Thanks for sharing this Eric! This engine is just so amazing! Now if only Lionel made a new model of the 2-6-6-4 A locomotive. BTW, the N&W wasn't the last railroad to transition from steam to diesels. That title goes to the Colorado and Southern which operated their last steam engine in 1962.

[@bigharryyy03]

Actually it was Duluth, Missabe, and Iron Range. They ran their yellowstones until 63 or 64

[@Patrick_3751]

harizonwrlss They may have kept a few Yellowstones in storage up until then, but the last time the DM&IR actually operated one was in 1960.

[@ulyssesgrant4324]

Patrick3751 but! In China they used locomotives in the 1990s (i think)

[@Trainmaster909]

your wish is granted they are making one

[@itmcbhpbgf.6374]

look at the Buffalo, Creek & Gauley, they ran their steam engines til 1965-8...!!

[@boombox4037]

I love that whistle

[@Jamersonde]

I chased the last Y6b in existence back in MAy, when it was towed to the VMT. The video is on my channel.

[@Jamersonde]

James Ellison Correction: It was the last Y6a.

[@Dubailand1555]

GREAT JOB AS USUAL ERIC, THANK YOU FOR SHARING...

[@thegamingrhino5864]

dont use caps

[@Dubailand1555]

The Gaming Rhino GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!!

[@thegamingrhino5864]

how can I get out of a comment. its not a room

[@Dubailand1555]

The Gaming Rhino Then shut your mouth...

[@dtkgaming2255]

you must be super rich to have all those trains u are extremely cool you have a amazing layout too!

[@ConcordeStudios20]

Your right that is a very nice whistle

[@Trainman-cw1zl]

I love the hooter whistle from 1218 and I love when they do a quail with it

[@SteamKing2160]

Eric, when N&W's No 291 crew dropped their fires in common carrier service during the year 1960, the age of steam virtually ended.

[@Tennfatmatt]

Great video Eric! Really enjoyed the detailed observation of the engine. Please try to find a couple N & W coal cars though. I used to watch these trains in Southwest Virginia in the early 60's and they were fabulous in their heyday!

[@DjsOgaugeTrains]

Best y6b ever!!!!!! I want one!! And yeah im really dissapointed that weaver is closed now. They made some beautiful passenger cars.

[@elijahglasser1421]

Very excellent great train

[@BrodieProductions412]

Nice job I love the y6b whistle

[@pearsooo6972]

great dedication

[@chuckchristian2059]

I would love to have this train right now

[@RailFoxMedia]

Long live Weaver!!!!! Who's with me?

[@struck2soon]

You are right, that N&W "hooter" is awsome! Must increase your smoke-oil consumption dramatically...

[@trainzillamodelrailroading9905]

Try finding a 2-6-6-2 logging mallet

[@johnsiders7819]

I have a LGB one Unita

[@sargentrowell81]

Love seeing the L&N cars on that coal drag!

[@femmejolie313]

Nice video Eric great job

[@SteamKing2160]

I know it has a min curve of 0-72 but my rule has been if the locomotive is at least under 30 inches in total length, then it can run on 0-60 but speeds will be restricted. Some exceptions are the Lionel A Class from 1999. Even though that engine is 31 inches in length, the box's min radius says 0-54.

[@1940limited]

N&W often double headed these then put another on the back as a pusher, sometimes running tender first. I'm sorry Weaver is going out of business. I have a lot of their rolling stock on my layout and always liked their products. Your coal train looks great regardless of the fact some cars may be too "modern." I have an older MTH Y6B i use to pull my coal train which is about 22 cars. Probably some of the cars are "too modern" but I'm not worried about it. Most archival photos of N&W coal trains showed all N&W hoppers. I have a lot of them, but not enough to make a long coal train using exclusively N&W rolling stock.

[@ConductorDon]

It really amazes me that N&W didn't even think to save even one y6b. As much as I cant wait to see 4014 under steam, I'd be much more impressed to see a y6b in action. Its just a real shame and even if 2156 was restored, she wouldn't be practical for excursion service do to her low top speed.

[@oologahnorthernrailroad8873]

Hey Eric nice engine I watched your ustream and we are now experiencin the same thing you did last month

[@SteamKing2160]

Also Steam engines usually have a range of 100 miles or so. Diesel can go over 1,000 miles on a tank of fuel. One of the many reasons why the switch was made.

[@ogaugefoamertyler2777]

Great review Eric. I've been waiting for a full review of this engine, and I'm glad you reviewed it. Just a question, are interested in any of MTH's engine's in their 2015 Volume 2 Catalog?

[@chuckchristian2059]

I love this train

[@debbietravis3638]

Eric'strains Your Realy cool Video of the Lionel N&W 2-8-8-2 is Amazing i'm giving you 2 thumbs Up for your video Someday until friday I'm getting a Lionel NYC 4-6-4 Dreyfuss Hudson just like your MTH 20th Century Limited set that had the Dreyfuss hudson & Lastly I love your video on the mth 20th century limited set from mth good work

[@Conrail_Studios12]

I like the whistle too

[@mootsym]

holy cow the smoke unit on this thing

[@DansTrainsDanielBrownell]

Its about time lionel released a new Y6b!

[@bobcarpenter3413]

Another great demo. $$$!

[@bgm1958]

As usual Eric, it's a beautiful video of a beautiful model. There came a point, however, that I found myself wanting to see a larger overview of the train in action. For future videos would it be possible to see a larger view of the train going through the yard or going over that amazing bridge of yours? Thanks in advance for your consideration.

[@user-mp2tl8zv2t]

Very good.

[@scd96]

Not so fun fact, a third y6b was set aside to be preserved for Wheeling WV, but the man in charge of the scrap yard was having a bad day or something and had it scrapped anyways.

[@Thomasthestreamliner]

Here's something cool you should see, this Lionel engine is called a Santa fe 2-10-10-2 mallet, see that engine and you will be like oh my god

[@chuckchoi4156]

15:20 Music to my ears!

[@MrStevesTrains]

Damn! $1999.00 😮and that was 8yrs ago. -Holy Cow.

[@ScottDowneywoundedbear]

Sure is a beautiful steam engine. Scott

[@AtkataffTheAlpha]

Norfolk and Western! There's no stopping us!

[@k-lineproductions3972]

I wish Lionel would make a n&w y6a 2156

[@3dartistguy]

I would love to see your layout once this pandemic is over.

[@edgartaylor7421]

What are the differences between the y6b and y6a?

[@beeking1792]

Alternate name for this model: The Walletbuster

[@SteamKing2160]

Yea N&W decided to change from Steam to Diesel in 1960. The steam era ended that same year as well. USA Steam Era: 1830 - 1960. UK Steam Era: 1803 - 1965.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

You almost got the quelling right on Eric, just practice more and you'll master it!