Consolidations -- Doorstop and Otherwise

[R.K. Maroon]

I was talking to Woody the other day and the subject of Consolidations came up. I made the assumption, since more 2-8-0 locomotives were made than any other wheel arrangement, that there was a USRA Consolidation. You can't get much past Woody in the way of steam locomotive factoids, and he immediately corrected me that in fact there was no USRA Consolidation. That made me wonder about the Hines / Pearce Tool model, as the 0-8-0 and 2-8-2 they made were indeed USRA. What then was the prototype (if any) for their 2-8-0? Here is the one I own:









This is, as best I can tell, a nicely made model. If you look closely on the right-hand side you will see that the power reverse throw-rod is loose, which I only noticed after I took the photos (though it is obvious once you see it, as is often the case). Woody asked me to measure the drivers, which I will do next.

This wheel arrangement wasn't much on my radar screen until this guy showed up. Now I'm thinking that an infestation of these on the layout would not be cause to call out the exterminators.

Jim

(edited title)

[bob turner]

Very nice model. The prototype is a USRA 0-8-0, and Henry just put a Mike frame under it. I have one, but have not gotten around to finishing it. I may use yours as a template.

[big bad jim]

They're currently my steam locomotive of choice. I used to be a fan of big steam, primarily UP, because that's what my dad liked when I was growing up. This was in Ohio of all places, but we traveled out west quite a bit including Yellowstone. We ended up following the UP, and learned to appreciate doing things in oversized fashion.

I still like big steam, but I've grown to really appreciate the small stuff now. Part of that is a practical aspect of fitting O scale trains in limited space. But I think there's a certain aesthetic about the proportions of locos like these, and it appeals to me. I can't imagine going much bigger than a Mikado now, and even then it's interesting to me how much bigger a Mikado is compared to the Consolidations.

I'll take mine in Central Vermont livery please, again due to my dad's influence. He grew up in upstate Vermont, and I follow the road as a kind of tie to his heritage. The CV had plenty of other steam classes, but the Consolidations were the backbone of their operations. They had multiple classes, including some with Coffin feedwater heaters. Many had tenders with the narrow coal bunkers to accommodate a clear view.

All in all, a good looking little loco with the right proportions and details. Someday I shall own one or more, either scratch, bash, or brass. Whichever happens first.

Jim

[GreggL]

Ahhhh, now we're talking. I'm looking to create one of these in O scale (P:48 actually). Any thoughts as to what might be a good candidate to start with?

The Mississippi River & Bonne Terre Rwy purchased this Brooks 2-8-0 in 1921. The MR&BT was folded into the Missouri-Illinois which was controlled by MoPac until the late 1970's. It worked the car ferry on the Mississippi River in Ste Genevieve, MO.

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[GreggL]

Sorry about the massive size - how to I reduce?

7/19/15I fixed the massive photo size.

[R.K. Maroon]

Very nice model. The prototype is a USRA 0-8-0, and Henry just put a Mike frame under it.

Good eye, Bob. I just don't have the eye for steam (yet?) that would allow me to recognize the similarities in the models. I have both the 0-8-0 and the 2-8-2 and will compare boiler and chassis appropriately. By the way, you say "Henry" did this but I believe the Consolidation was part of the original Hines line-up. I recall I have a price sheet to that effect.

Also, I have close-up shots that I will post (on the assumption that some might be interested).

Jim

[rrjjf]

The Pearce 2-8-0 has drivers that measure around 62". The Pearce 0-8-0 has 50" drivers as did the USRA 0-8-0. Dome configuration on the models is also different. I am considering taking a Pearce 2-8-0 and converting it to a B&O L-2 switcher. They were built by the B&O from E-27 2-8-0 locos and retained the large drivers. It would make an interesting model.

Joe

[aww]

Jim,

Back in 1985, I think, I called Henry Pearce and ordered the kit/s to build his USRA 080, about two years later I got it but that was ok. I was glad to get it. Also he never cashed my check until he sent me the loco!

Anyway I built it up which took a huge amount of time because it was the first one I built. It turned out great and I still have it. Recently I sold the original tender as I have a junk Pearce tender and I want to make it into a clear view. Mine was one of the later ones he produced so it has brake shoes and his gearbox.

I remember his catalogue and in it he said the Consolidation had no prototype but was typical of Consolidations all over the land.

The drivers are 50" and they can't be any bigger on the 080 or they would touch. All drivers are flanged. Henry made a big deal to me about the tight radius it would negotiate, tiny drivers gives a short wheelbase.

This one I would never sell.

Allan

[robert.]

. Henry made a big deal to me about the tight radius it would negotiate,

Allan

how tight?

[bob turner]

Like this?

[GreggL]

Like this?

Oh yes! Please holler when you're ready to send that one back to its home road.

[aww]

Robert

If memory serves he said 60" radius. I think that is about right what it will really do.

Henry made kits for other engines but I don't see them much. The USRA 080 was the main one, along with the Consolidation.

I remember he was kind of berating himself for not making a sprung chasiss for it, but he had health problems and that was wearing him down. I think he was 77 years old when I got the kits.

Also I wonder what kind of a dummy he must have thought I was because I was always calling him and asking pretty dumb questions, looking back. I mean this was an advanced kit for someone as green as i was. He always tolerated me though.
I think his wife hated me because I would call in the evening.

Jim

That Consolidation looks like it was done by a craftsman, real nice.

Allan

[E7]

There was a nice story/article about Henry in the late great "O Scale News 48/ft.

[bob turner]

Some day I shall finish the tender and paint this one

[prrjim]

A friend of mine had one of these back in the 70-80s. Nicely done as I remember, and it had a "B&O" look to me.

I remember his layout has 48 inch radius curves and the loco had no problems with that.