This engine was commissioned in 1917 during Woodrow Wilson's presidency. After World War I the USRA 2-6-6-2
Mallet was used for commerce related endeavors. The first Mallet was manufactured by Schenectory Works to
the Chesapeake & Ohio. The larger cylinders in the front received their steam from the rear cylinders as
exhaust steam. This ensured the proper amount of thrust steam and on the protype was significantly larger
than the rear set of cylinders. Steam was carried by the external piping which can easily been seen on the
model.
Specifications: Total weight = 448,000 lbs. Drivers=358,000 lbs. Tractive effort compound=80,000 lbs.
Single tractive effort=96,000 lbs. Prototype had low and high pressure cyclinders( not modeled as such).
Comments on the BRASS Model: This model is newer than the 2-6-6-2 series. Each drive wheel is
spring mounted with plastic brake shoes. All sixteen (16) wheels are driven versus only six driven
wheels on the 2-6-6-2. It is very well balanced and tracks very well for it's age. I have run it
up to three hours consectively without any sign of wear or heating up. Although gear boxes are not used,
the Akane style of steel worm to phenolic gear is probably closer to 28:1 ratio. Both sections are connected
with rubber or plastic tubing which works very well and can easily be replaced. The motor is a small
DC series PITTMAN open frame motor.
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