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. They were a success and 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. On the N&W, Y-3s remained in service until 1958.
 
* Now with Separate Traction Tires for Maximum Pulling Power
 
* 200 Hand-Applied Details
 
* Detailed Cab Interior w/Operating Windows
 
* Constant & Directional Lights
 
* Handles 18" Radius Curves & #4 Turnouts!
 
* Slow Speed Under 3 Scale MPH; Fast speed to 65 Scale MPH
 
* 16-Wheel Drive and 24-Wheel Electrical Pick-Up
 
* Dual Flywheels
 

ATSF #1792 w/Sound & DCC
ATSF #1794 w/Sound & DCC
ATSF #1797 Standard DC
N&W #2012 w/Sound & DCC
N&W #2037 w/Sound & DCC
N&W #2040 Standard DC
PRR #374 w/Sound & DCC
PRR #375 w/Sound & DCC
PRR #377 Standard DC
UP #3670 w/Sound & DCC
UP #3672 w/Sound & DCC
UP #3674 Standard DC
Virginian #738 w/Sound & DCC
Virginian #741 w/Sound & DCC
Virginian #740 Standard DC
Painted, Unlettered -- w/Sound & DCC
Painted, Unlettered -- Standard DC