I suspect the reason it would've been so slow irl is because of all the heavy reciprocating parts and how long it would've taken for steam to make it through the whole cycle.
@@whispofwords2590 The Triplex boiler just couldn't make enough steam. An engine that was good in theory but poor in execution. But an interesting footnote in locomotive history.
The enthusiasm that you have for the hobby is infectious. I build RC planes and because of people such as yourself, my interest in trains has come to life.
Trainmasters never got the recognition they truly deserved. I have 15 of them in my fleet in various road names. With the whistle battle I would say it's a tie, but leaning more towards the Virginian!
That's what I've said!! Chris could easily pass for Jim's younger brother, complete with their animated facial expressions. Chris here has a tremendous amount of natural entertainment talent.
The Triplex whistle has a very unique whistle. It's one of those you don't hear often on the more popular locomotives. Definitely sounds better in O scale vs the HO model. Quick little fun fact: the HO version doesn't have a motor in the tender, so the drive wheels under the tender are free rolling. One of my favorites. I have the Erie #5016 on my layout. Great video! It's always fun watching a Triplex run quickly, but to watch it run slow, is just neat. All those moving parts, it's almost mesmerizing.
Big, black and bad. That thing is a freak. It would be scary coming at you at any speed. My dad worked on the Erie, back in the late 30's. He loved trains. Those guys, in the 50's, would take an entire dock warehouse and build an entire layout with O and S gauge in Edgewater NJ. We just walked to the rail yard. It's all gone now. Only the stumps of the old docks are visible. Lucky to have experienced all that.
Must have been incredible to see. But even more incredible to hear your Dad's stories working on the Erie during the days of steam. Thanks for watching!
Trainz has a Russian Blue Erie version for sale if you want to jump on that, Chris. I just got back from the LCCA convention in Concord NC, the location of Lionel HQ and I have the feeling that it is possible that Lionel may have acquired at least the tooling for the O gauge Triplex and we may see it released as a Vision Line locomotive in the next 2 years.
You and jason are to blame for me getting a triplex. Mine is the preimer erie in the Russian blue. When this one came up for sale on the ogr forum I snatched it up right away. You are correct in them being scarce and hard to find. I love it.
Hi Chris, I have just modified my engine called HANNAH. She has a new part on her skirt on the front. She is very sleek. She is also very big and very heavy on the bottom between the bogies. She has a vertical headlight. She can plow a lot of rocks like they're nothing. She even has a wider fuel tank that matches the bottom of her freight cars. I just thought you would like the details of the train. Cory Mears
Thanks to anyone who liked my comment. I meant to say vertical headlight, but I accidentally skipped the letter L. I just saw it and fixed it. Thanks again for liking the comments. Cory Mears
Man I'm so jealous. I've wanted a Triplex for so long, but I run HO. I have not found an HO Triplex yet. Yours is gorgeous though. I may be biased, but I think the Triplex has the better whistle. Really glad I found this channel
MTH showed an HO Triplex in their 2008 catalog, basically a "Look what's coming!" feature in what was an O Gauge catalog. However whether they actually built any I don't know, I'm not an HO guy and haven't looked into MTH HO products or their availabilities at all. So there MAY be some out there or maybe not. You'd have to do some checking.
Hey Chris congrats on your new Triplex. Looks great. So gotta say, the whistle is awesome, but for me, nothing beats the sound of the Big Boy. Really enjoy your channel Sir. 👍
@Railchief 74 I'm Gary. My son and I, train guys from way back, are starting a new o gauge youtube channel based around our new trainboard and our railfan videos. Just hope we can consistently produce the quality shots and consistently special effort on this channel. Gary
I really think that the triplex won this time. That whistle is awesome! The triplex could have served well on coal-hauling short line railroads like the Kentucky and Tennessee railway, while the Union Pacific big boys were built for fast freight trains. They both had their own purposes. On paper, the triplex could have outperformed the Big Boys. Sadly, they were held back by their powered tenders, which caused unnecessary wheel slippage.
There was one sold Nov '21 at myersville auction for $700, but the person who bought it would've went much higher. Many bargains were had at that sale I also gat a great bargain on a proto3 UP challenger for 450 plus this auction also had no buyers penalty or premium added to sale price
Part of the reason the Triplex only did 5-10 miles an hour when they were used is due to some firebox and boiler issues that meant they didn't actually have the steaming capacity to go much faster than that, not to mention the wear and tear it would cause on both the engine, and the rails.
I like the tri-plex whistle the best. That being said, the Lionel steam whistles have a more realistic, haunting sound. MTH makes great looking engines but their sounds need work.
Just subbed, I feel like you represent all of us who grew up in the 90’s that are still kids at heart / can finally afford our dreams in our 30’s💪🏻😎. Love that scale, it’s like you can close your eyes and smell the steel and oil in a museum
Thank you and welcome aboard SERGIp51D! I am with you 100%! I remember being a kid in the 90's and looking at the catalogs just dreaming of running these one day. Thanks for watching!
@@RBPTrains Hey, I remember being a kid in 1959 and wanting the same engine Casey Jones had on the TV series starring Alan Hale Junior! Now I've got six! 😃
Hey Chris! I have the same locomotive, the Virginian #700 and I love it. I bought it from my father way back around 2008. Your model has a different whistle as mine has a different tone and cannot quill. The only thing I wish MTH would have done was to change the rear truck from 2-wheel (Erie) to a 4-wheel (Virginian) truck to make it at least a little more prototypical though technically, it should have had a completely different casting all together from the Erie model. Congratulations!! Oh, BTW, you are running your Virginian FM backwards, it is supposed to be long hood forward. Ever since the mid-1970's I ran mine just like you are here but it was told to me when I started getting more into realism that FM's ran long hood forward.
I was wondering about the Trainmaster direction. The newer models print the "F" on the front to help folks like me who do not know much about prototypical operation. But this Post War version does not have that so I had to guess. Thanks for clarifying!
The triplex is a great steam locomotive and yes it has alot more power to it Chris. Last time I was at main line hobby shop, I saw one or it was two triplex there. Nice Virginia high hood loco.
so happy to be back at this channel again....was looking everywhere but didn't find anything. Such good vibes!!! keep on rocking and foremost...rolling greetings from switzerland
I can't compete but I just bought a Iong awaited CNJ Camelback Lionchief. Spent some time today just watching what it does best . Happy Engineers unite. 🚂 Your presentation showed your bridge, who's the trains.
Triplex definitely had the better whistle. Next engine the Erie 0-8-8-0 Camelback!!!😊 MTH Reading T1 is another good one as well. You can watch a real one on UA-cam 2102!
Finding O gauge banking engines are hard to come by especially if they are one offs for the their respective companies, coming across the Midland Railway's Big Bertha was like winning the lottery for me.
The original AA-20 had an arrangement of 2-14-2, but they changed it to a 2-14-4 wheel arrangement, the 2-14-2 arrangement would be 18 wheels, and the 2-14-4 would have 20 wheels, only 8 wheels short of the Erie Triplex, and 10 wheels short of the real Virginian Triplex.
Outstanding Video RBP!! First read about the Tri-Plexes in "Model Railroader." Picked it up from an 👁 Eye 👁 Doctor's waiting room as a kid. I think the issue was from 1969. I've always wanted one. I've subsequently discovered (about five years ago) that I was born the same day as the Erie Lackawanna Railroad - October 17th, 1960 - so that makes the Erie one of my parents!! I'm sure you'll understand my preference, though I ❤️Love❤️ your Virginian Triplex!! Appreciate the way you discussed the history of both locomotives. Keep up the Great Work!!! Nathan in Chicago 🇺🇲
I like the sound of the Triplex, and the UP but if I had to choose I would have to say the Triplex, love the sound, definitely using it in one of my intros on my channel.
I've been looking for the Virginian version for quite some time, had seen a couple online for sale, but just didn't pull the trigger. Oh well, I'll live vicariously through you Chris. Great find!
I was lucky enough to acquire an Erie PS-2 Triplex and it too was hard to find. They are without a doubt a unique locomotive. A bucket lister I had to have. I tried finding the PS-3 Model but this came along so I couldn't pass it up. Great video Chris! Watching trains never gets old!
@creeperboy2021 I have the early Triplex from around 2004 obviously with the PS3 which actually functions just fine. For some time I've been watching for a PS3 upgrade board for it but they're not available. Do you know when MTH will be releasing such boards for the Triplex?
Honestly I don’t know how many people in this world have EVER seen such beautiful trains and a layout like this also I’ve never seen a steam engine with drive wheels under the tender. And this guy is underrated he spends so much on this stuff and takes the time to edit and only has 43,000 subscribers. Guys subscribe to him!!!
If i Had this Big Steam locomotive i wound Drive IT all the time but the Problem is that IT Cost soo much i Dont have Tracks Like Thies and IT wound Take months to find it
Y’know what i just realized? What if you turned off the lights after getting some locomotives on the tracks, give them some passenger coaches and run a few trains around the layout? Almost like a night time run in the model train world!
Chris I hope your having a great week. Love your videos! (retired N&W / NS engineer with 42 years) you should NEVER run a toy train without a caboose! I got my first Lionel engine, the 2055, in 1965. (it still runs) No big layout, but I still run them with the grandkids. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I suppose you are referring to the lack of caboose on the Trainmaster at the end of the video?? Wasn't sure if it was acceptable to run that one with a caboose since I was using my Post War Erie Caboose on the Triplex train as an Easter Egg in the video. Noted for the future! :)
Yor family got the power Chris. I was at disney world for spring break for lightning mcqueen's racing academy. I saw the uncataloged disney world golden anniversary train and two add on cars there. Did you know Mr. Lionel was the nickname of long time lionel employee Lenny Dean? (1926-2007) He lived ten years more than Lionel enthusiast TV host Tom Snyder. (1936-2007)
Great review Chris. Thanks. Have you ever reviewed a MTH engine equipped with Loco Sound? I think these are the most overlooked engines made by MTH. The cruise control on these engines is amazing. You can even broadcast your voice or music through the engine. Check it out and keep producing those great videos. Thanks.
Thanks Glenn! I have a Weaver Hiawatha that is equipped with MTH Protosound (first generation) but not sure I have any conventional engines with MTH Loco Sound. Might need to snag one eventually just to experience it!
I just got a storage unit with TONS of train set’s inside.. there big ones like the ones you have. (I don’t know anything about them except there old and still in the box new)
Sounds like you hit the mother lode! If you don't know anything about them contact a local train club (shouldn't be too hard to find on the Internet in this day and age) or contact a local hobby shop. If the shop's willing to do some consulting work be prepared to pay them for their time. A local club's members might just do it free just to see what you've got.
Absolutely FABULOUS video! This is the first I've heard/seen of models of this remarkable locomotive. Big shout-out to MTH for actually making a model of this, and of course, to YOU for letting us see this unique model! Although sold out, the MTH site does show the original price of this model. It may be sacrilegious to say this, but for a model of this complexity, that original price seems quite reasonable. Thanks again!
You have now joined the league of triplex owners, a club I hope to join someday. Definitely a locomotive on the wish list. I hear there are rumors of Lionel bringing out a triplex in the future. If it is true I would love to see it be Vision line, but my wallet wouldn't like that.
Awesome video Chris! Such a cool and beautiful locomotive! I want one bad! All controversy aside, facts are facts. There were a few engines that produced more hp and tractive effort than the Big Boy. 🤷♂️ it is what it is lol won't stop my love for the Big Boy, being from Utah. But the history of all of these is nothing short of fascinating! Happy for ya man. Great addition! You should help me find one 😂
Great engine, Chris Noticed no tender smoke. Hope it is OK. I would take a break on the next loco and take Wifey out to dinner with all those great toys!!
The Triplex may have had more tractive force but it was steam hungry wasn't it? The boiler couldn't produce enough steam for three sets of drivers over long hauls. And therefore wasn't as practical as the Big Boy. I think the real contest of tractive effort would have to be between a N&W Y6B, a DM&I Yellowstone 2-8-8-4, and a Big Boy. As for the whistle contest I'm afraid I'm going to have to go with Big Boy, hands down. But then I may be Western biased :)
how would this stack against the turbines? id assume not as impressive, but curious to even see the comparison. turbines werent that effective back then, so then again, it might come close?
Great video Chris! I liked the triplex, but I really loved how you showcased that postwar lionel trainmaster! I had always wanted one as a kid; but about ten years ago I found one at Nicolas Smith trains in philly. It runs great...and I think the triplex won that whistle war..
My grandpa grew up right along the Erie right of way and when the triplexes were first rolled out they had to run them through the territory to get them to their designated locations. He said the exhaust sounds from the loco were extremely loud he could hear the drivers slamming down on the road bed. Him and his brother both worked for the railroad too and gave the lifespan of these for 5 years max.
I wonder if that might be related to the circuit board or something. I bet it can be fixed. Rumor has it that the replacement parts are starting to arrive at MTH which would be great news!
According to the Erie steam locomotive book, the Triplex has a tractive effort of 180,000 lbs. Designed to pull a loaded coal train FIVE (5) miles long. Upon testing on the Erie the draft gear on the cars of the day could not handle the stress and separated from the locomotive. Then put into pusher service on Gulf Summit hill. She was the MOST POWERFUL steam locomotive ever built.
I like your passion for trains it's awesome. I do like the Virginia whistle better. I think the locomotive style look better at a medium speed, looks more like their speed, rather than super fast.
Fun Facts, the Triplex's biggest issue was that it constantly broke couplers when attempting to pull trains of extreme length. The simple fact was, the shock of it moving forward against the weight of 300 loaded hoppers would snap the knuckes clean off if the engineer was too vigorous with the thottle. Even if the train could get moving, the slack between the cars was so much that they would often brake couplers in the middle of trains too. Walking 2 miles down the train every 20-40 minute to fix the coupler and then recouple the train would SUCK. So what the railroads started doing was using them as pusher locomotives. Hooking one of these babies in the middle or back of a train to help shove over a hill. They were very sucessful at this role, but small Articulated locomoitives quickly regained favor over these monstrosities. Also, the 10mph limit was more a issue of safety and problems keeping the locomotives fed, than the mechanical abilities of the locomotive. When pulling a train, from application of airbrakes in the locomotive to application in the caboose, it's said to have taken several minutes to reach full brake pressure. When pushing, the locomotive was under power and load more of the time than when pulling, so crews struggled to keep these beast fed with coal and water, hints they would have to go slow to stop them from becoming dead weight at the end of the train. Finally, there exists plans for a Quadplex, and Pentaplex you can find online from the later 1940's-1950's. These used updates from the SP Cab Forward locomotives and Alco's Super Heating technology to theoretically create a much more reliable and powerful locomotive. The Quadplex would have been bigger than a Big Boy, featured a 4-8-8-8-8-2 Wheel arangement, and could pulled trains in excess of 7 miles long. (Supposedly) The Pentaplex was simular, but was a 4-6-6-6-6-6-4 Design to help deal with tight curves. Supposedly, both engines could have hit 35MPH, and required a 3 man crew to operate, with 2 fireman.
Hello good Friend Chris, What a beautiful locomotives to see driving, And they both have a nice steam whistle, The big Boy is a fuller sound with an echo I once saw the Big Boy driving in the border area between the USA and Canada, What a power this Machine exuded,I enjoy your job almost every night, Kind regards from Henk Belgium Border❤😀😉
To be fair, I'd expect a giant metal monster with twenty-four drive wheels to outpace the Big Boy a bit. The Tri-Plex is essentially Steamzilla.
Steamzilla!!! Yes!!!
It's like godzilla but instead of king of the monster's it's the king of steam engines.
I suspect the reason it would've been so slow irl is because of all the heavy reciprocating parts and how long it would've taken for steam to make it through the whole cycle.
@@whispofwords2590 The Triplex boiler just couldn't make enough steam. An engine that was good in theory but poor in execution. But an interesting footnote in locomotive history.
I like that. STEAMZILLA!! lol 😂 Cory Mears
The enthusiasm that you have for the hobby is infectious. I build RC planes and because of people such as yourself, my interest in trains has come to life.
Trainmasters never got the recognition they truly deserved. I have 15 of them in my fleet in various road names. With the whistle battle I would say it's a tie, but leaning more towards the Virginian!
Hey Chris, you're like the Jim Carrey of trains. Great job!
That's what I've said!! Chris could easily pass for Jim's younger brother, complete with their animated facial expressions. Chris here has a tremendous amount of natural entertainment talent.
I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING HE DOES LOOK LIKE JIM CAREY.
The Triplex whistle has a very unique whistle. It's one of those you don't hear often on the more popular locomotives. Definitely sounds better in O scale vs the HO model. Quick little fun fact: the HO version doesn't have a motor in the tender, so the drive wheels under the tender are free rolling.
One of my favorites. I have the Erie #5016 on my layout. Great video! It's always fun watching a Triplex run quickly, but to watch it run slow, is just neat. All those moving parts, it's almost mesmerizing.
TREVOR HARRIS TripOd TOTNES TORQUAY
Big, black and bad. That thing is a freak. It would be scary coming at you at any speed. My dad worked on the Erie, back in the late 30's. He loved trains. Those guys, in the 50's, would take an entire dock warehouse and build an entire layout with O and S gauge in Edgewater NJ. We just walked to the rail yard. It's all gone now. Only the stumps of the old docks are visible. Lucky to have experienced all that.
Must have been incredible to see. But even more incredible to hear your Dad's stories working on the Erie during the days of steam. Thanks for watching!
Trainz has a Russian Blue Erie version for sale if you want to jump on that, Chris. I just got back from the LCCA convention in Concord NC, the location of Lionel HQ and I have the feeling that it is possible that Lionel may have acquired at least the tooling for the O gauge Triplex and we may see it released as a Vision Line locomotive in the next 2 years.
You and jason are to blame for me getting a triplex. Mine is the preimer erie in the Russian blue. When this one came up for sale on the ogr forum I snatched it up right away. You are correct in them being scarce and hard to find. I love it.
I blame Jason, haha!
Hi Chris, I have just modified my engine called HANNAH. She has a new part on her skirt on the front. She is very sleek. She is also very big and very heavy on the bottom between the bogies. She has a vertical headlight. She can plow a lot of rocks like they're nothing. She even has a wider fuel tank that matches the bottom of her freight cars. I just thought you would like the details of the train. Cory Mears
Thanks to anyone who liked my comment. I meant to say vertical headlight, but I accidentally skipped the letter L. I just saw it and fixed it. Thanks again for liking the comments. Cory Mears
Man I'm so jealous. I've wanted a Triplex for so long, but I run HO. I have not found an HO Triplex yet. Yours is gorgeous though. I may be biased, but I think the Triplex has the better whistle. Really glad I found this channel
MTH showed an HO Triplex in their 2008 catalog, basically a "Look what's coming!" feature in what was an O Gauge catalog. However whether they actually built any I don't know, I'm not an HO guy and haven't looked into MTH HO products or their availabilities at all. So there MAY be some out there or maybe not. You'd have to do some checking.
Hey Chris congrats on your new Triplex. Looks great. So gotta say, the whistle is awesome, but for me, nothing beats the sound of the Big Boy. Really enjoy your channel Sir. 👍
Thanks for watching Chuck!
Always loved the triplex 24 driving wheels could outpace the big boy any day at any time roll on steamzilla!
Congratulations for getting the triplex Chris.
So glad you finally have it, hope to see it more in your videos
I just saw Train of Thought’s video on the triplex. There were even plans for quadplex and quintplex engines too.
They were pushing up sometimes a 1.5 to a 2.0 grade though, with a longer train
2002 was the first time I have witnessed this monster in action. Man, I wish we had More MTH videos like TMs Great MTH layouts back then 🤔
Wow, that TMS video is one of my favorites. Gary
I've got the first of the TM "Great MTH Layouts." Even after all this time I'm still impressed with Tony Lash's layout, a real work of art!
@@TheTrainboard who’s Gary?
@Railchief 74 I'm Gary. My son and I, train guys from way back, are starting a new o gauge youtube channel based around our new trainboard and our railfan videos. Just hope we can consistently produce the quality shots and consistently special effort on this channel. Gary
I really think that the triplex won this time. That whistle is awesome!
The triplex could have served well on coal-hauling short line railroads like the Kentucky and Tennessee railway, while the Union Pacific big boys were built for fast freight trains.
They both had their own purposes. On paper, the triplex could have outperformed the Big Boys. Sadly, they were held back by their powered tenders, which caused unnecessary wheel slippage.
Triplexes are honestly one of the coolest looking engines out there. I’m glad you finally got one!
Nice video in my opinion i like the Union Pacific Big Boy whistie but like all the Trains running its fun to watch
Simply marvelous ! 👍 Thanks Chris
Big boy still is the best
But it is nice to see that you finally have the 2-8-8-8-2 locomotive
There was one sold Nov '21 at myersville auction for $700, but the person who bought it would've went much higher. Many bargains were had at that sale I also gat a great bargain on a proto3 UP challenger for 450 plus this auction also had no buyers penalty or premium added to sale price
Part of the reason the Triplex only did 5-10 miles an hour when they were used is due to some firebox and boiler issues that meant they didn't actually have the steaming capacity to go much faster than that, not to mention the wear and tear it would cause on both the engine, and the rails.
How to buy
I like the tri-plex whistle the best. That being said, the Lionel steam whistles have a more realistic, haunting sound. MTH makes great looking engines but their sounds need work.
I prefer the Virginian model myself and have been without success finding it. Your channel is the best. Your enthusiasm lifts me up 🙂👍🏻
Thank you Simkins Frank!!
Love it!! I myself picked the railking Erie triplex PS/2 a couple months back and love it
I think you should look for a cab forward next
That locomotive along with this channel, is amazing!
Thank you @Connorado!
Just subbed, I feel like you represent all of us who grew up in the 90’s that are still kids at heart / can finally afford our dreams in our 30’s💪🏻😎. Love that scale, it’s like you can close your eyes and smell the steel and oil in a museum
Thank you and welcome aboard SERGIp51D! I am with you 100%! I remember being a kid in the 90's and looking at the catalogs just dreaming of running these one day. Thanks for watching!
@@RBPTrains Hey, I remember being a kid in 1959 and wanting the same engine Casey Jones had on the TV series starring Alan Hale Junior! Now I've got six! 😃
It's nice to see a very realistic model of a steam locomotive moving and a history lesson sprinkled in
Hey Chris! I have the same locomotive, the Virginian #700 and I love it. I bought it from my father way back around 2008. Your model has a different whistle as mine has a different tone and cannot quill. The only thing I wish MTH would have done was to change the rear truck from 2-wheel (Erie) to a 4-wheel (Virginian) truck to make it at least a little more prototypical though technically, it should have had a completely different casting all together from the Erie model. Congratulations!! Oh, BTW, you are running your Virginian FM backwards, it is supposed to be long hood forward. Ever since the mid-1970's I ran mine just like you are here but it was told to me when I started getting more into realism that FM's ran long hood forward.
I was wondering about the Trainmaster direction. The newer models print the "F" on the front to help folks like me who do not know much about prototypical operation. But this Post War version does not have that so I had to guess. Thanks for clarifying!
The big boy whistle was the best because of the steam exhaust when you blew it.
The triplex is a great steam locomotive and yes it has alot more power to it Chris. Last time I was at main line hobby shop, I saw one or it was two triplex there. Nice Virginia high hood loco.
Greatest video Chris. I see I’ll be adding Triplex to my list of engines I want to get. I think the Big Boy is the winner of the battle.
YYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!
I have the
I do have the Erie Triplex. It is great. I do have problem with going fast and blowing the whistle. It shuts down the smoke unit. JH
so happy to be back at this channel again....was looking everywhere but didn't find anything.
Such good vibes!!! keep on rocking and foremost...rolling
greetings from switzerland
Fun presentation! Thanks for explaining everything! Thank you
The triplex the king of your collection
Rbp do you ever plan on getting the lionel Pennsylvania steam turbine locomotive, also i think the triplex won the whistle competition
I would like to have one of those eventually. Thanks for watching!
I have always wanted one but now I have to find one in HO and honestly Chris....its just as hard to find one in HO! Great videos as always!
As popular as these engines seem to be, you would think they might be offered more. We shall see. Thanks for watching!
Yesss! Nice!
You should put all articulateds on one train, and try and put every loco you have on one train! Those would be a cool video
I can't compete but I just bought a Iong awaited CNJ Camelback Lionchief. Spent some time today just watching what it does best . Happy Engineers unite. 🚂
Your presentation showed your bridge, who's the trains.
I think the Camelback engines are great. Plus you can run them anywhere! Enjoy your new engine Kevin!
Triplex definitely had the better whistle. Next engine the Erie 0-8-8-0 Camelback!!!😊 MTH Reading T1 is another good one as well. You can watch a real one on UA-cam 2102!
Great video, Chris. The Virginian would have been my first choice. I believe it won the Battle of the Whistles! Bill B.
It definitely gave the 4014 a challenge!
Love the triplex and her whistle.
Dang, I wish I could find the HO version of this for my fleet.
Congratulations on that epic find!
Finding O gauge banking engines are hard to come by especially if they are one offs for the their respective companies, coming across the Midland Railway's Big Bertha was like winning the lottery for me.
Been waiting for it all day
One of your best videos yet, great job.
The original AA-20 had an arrangement of 2-14-2, but they changed it to a 2-14-4 wheel arrangement, the 2-14-2 arrangement would be 18 wheels, and the 2-14-4 would have 20 wheels, only 8 wheels short of the Erie Triplex, and 10 wheels short of the real Virginian Triplex.
Outstanding Video RBP!! First read about the Tri-Plexes in "Model Railroader." Picked it up from an 👁 Eye 👁 Doctor's waiting room as a kid. I think the issue was from 1969. I've always wanted one. I've subsequently discovered (about five years ago) that I was born the same day as the Erie Lackawanna Railroad - October 17th, 1960 - so that makes the Erie one of my parents!! I'm sure you'll understand my preference, though I ❤️Love❤️ your Virginian Triplex!! Appreciate the way you discussed the history of both locomotives. Keep up the Great Work!!! Nathan in Chicago 🇺🇲
Thanks for watching Nathan and sharing your story!
I like the sound of the Triplex, and the UP but if I had to choose I would have to say the Triplex, love the sound, definitely using it in one of my intros on my channel.
I've been looking for the Virginian version for quite some time, had seen a couple online for sale, but just didn't pull the trigger. Oh well, I'll live vicariously through you Chris. Great find!
I have a feeling we will see the Triplex again very soon... :)
As a first-timer to your channel, I can confirm that I was thoroughly impressed! 👏🏾
Thanks Geno and welcome aboard!!
I was lucky enough to acquire an Erie PS-2 Triplex and it too was hard to find. They are without a doubt a unique locomotive. A bucket lister I had to have. I tried finding the PS-3 Model but this came along so I couldn't pass it up. Great video Chris! Watching trains never gets old!
@creeperboy2021 I have the early Triplex from around 2004 obviously with the PS3 which actually functions just fine. For some time I've been watching for a PS3 upgrade board for it but they're not available. Do you know when MTH will be releasing such boards for the Triplex?
@@ralphmiller2265 how to buy
Honestly I don’t know how many people in this world have EVER seen such beautiful trains and a layout like this also I’ve never seen a steam engine with drive wheels under the tender. And this guy is underrated he spends so much on this stuff and takes the time to edit and only has 43,000 subscribers. Guys subscribe to him!!!
Normally I would say big boy hands down, but the virgian whistle may've just edged it out, but do like he deep base on the big boy
Awesome engine, didn't realize that it existed. I'll have to do a history dive, thanks for sharing. I enjoy your channel.
Thank you Bob!
She’s is beautiful Chris!!! Really beautiful 😍
The Try-plex whistle is a bit moe haunting. I love it.
Nice trainz billboard on your train layout brother.
If i Had this Big Steam locomotive i wound Drive IT all the time but the Problem is that IT Cost soo much i Dont have Tracks Like Thies and IT wound Take months to find it
Y’know what i just realized? What if you turned off the lights after getting some locomotives on the tracks, give them some passenger coaches and run a few trains around the layout? Almost like a night time run in the model train world!
Chris I hope your having a great week. Love your videos! (retired N&W / NS engineer with 42 years) you should NEVER run a toy train without a caboose! I got my first Lionel engine, the 2055, in 1965. (it still runs) No big layout, but I still run them with the grandkids. Thanks!
Thanks for watching! I suppose you are referring to the lack of caboose on the Trainmaster at the end of the video?? Wasn't sure if it was acceptable to run that one with a caboose since I was using my Post War Erie Caboose on the Triplex train as an Easter Egg in the video. Noted for the future! :)
Yor family got the power Chris. I was at disney world for spring break for lightning mcqueen's racing academy. I saw the uncataloged disney world golden anniversary train and two add on cars there. Did you know Mr. Lionel was the nickname of long time lionel employee Lenny Dean? (1926-2007) He lived ten years more than Lionel enthusiast TV host Tom Snyder. (1936-2007)
Great review Chris. Thanks.
Have you ever reviewed a MTH engine equipped with Loco Sound? I think these are the most overlooked engines made by MTH. The cruise control on these engines is amazing. You can even broadcast your voice or music through the engine. Check it out and keep producing those great videos. Thanks.
Thanks Glenn! I have a Weaver Hiawatha that is equipped with MTH Protosound (first generation) but not sure I have any conventional engines with MTH Loco Sound. Might need to snag one eventually just to experience it!
I just got a storage unit with TONS of train set’s inside.. there big ones like the ones you have. (I don’t know anything about them except there old and still in the box new)
Sounds like you hit the mother lode! If you don't know anything about them contact a local train club (shouldn't be too hard to find on the Internet in this day and age) or contact a local hobby shop. If the shop's willing to do some consulting work be prepared to pay them for their time. A local club's members might just do it free just to see what you've got.
The big boy is always going to have the depper sounding whistle from the triplex and the Challenger.
God I've been waiting for this moment ❤
Absolutely FABULOUS video! This is the first I've heard/seen of models of this remarkable locomotive. Big shout-out to MTH for actually making a model of this, and of course, to YOU for letting us see this unique model!
Although sold out, the MTH site does show the original price of this model. It may be sacrilegious to say this, but for a model of this complexity, that original price seems quite reasonable.
Thanks again!
Thanks for watching @FlyingSpirit!
You have now joined the league of triplex owners, a club I hope to join someday. Definitely a locomotive on the wish list. I hear there are rumors of Lionel bringing out a triplex in the future. If it is true I would love to see it be Vision line, but my wallet wouldn't like that.
It's so much fun to see that engine go speeds it was never meant to go. Awesome review! I want one now lol
If you want another big steam locomotive, how about the Southern Pacfic 4-8-8-2 Cab forward?
That would be a good one!
Jim Carrey loving trains! :)
Awesome video Chris! Such a cool and beautiful locomotive! I want one bad! All controversy aside, facts are facts. There were a few engines that produced more hp and tractive effort than the Big Boy. 🤷♂️ it is what it is lol won't stop my love for the Big Boy, being from Utah. But the history of all of these is nothing short of fascinating! Happy for ya man. Great addition! You should help me find one 😂
If I get a wind of another one, I will keep ya posted, haha. Thanks for watching!
Great engine, Chris
Noticed no tender smoke. Hope it is OK. I would take a break on the next loco and take Wifey out to dinner with all those great toys!!
BABE, WAKE UP! RBP TRAINS MADE A NEW VIDEO!
(P.S. Skill Issue because no Erie.)
The Triplex may have had more tractive force but it was steam hungry wasn't it? The boiler couldn't produce enough steam for three sets of drivers over long hauls. And therefore wasn't as practical as the Big Boy. I think the real contest of tractive effort would have to be between a N&W Y6B, a DM&I Yellowstone 2-8-8-4, and a Big Boy. As for the whistle contest I'm afraid I'm going to have to go with Big Boy, hands down. But then I may be Western biased :)
how would this stack against the turbines? id assume not as impressive, but curious to even see the comparison. turbines werent that effective back then, so then again, it might come close?
The triplex engine has a really nice whistle
Great video Chris! I liked the triplex, but I really loved how you showcased that postwar lionel trainmaster! I had always wanted one as a kid; but about ten years ago I found one at Nicolas Smith trains in philly. It runs great...and I think the triplex won that whistle war..
I couldn't run a Virginian train and ignore the famous Post War Trainmaster, haha! Thanks for watching James!
Great Video and loco, shame the slide valves don't move with the motions.
If you do get the Erie version definitely make it a double header with the Virginia version for the review
I saw a triplex engine at a train show in michigan
My grandpa grew up right along the Erie right of way and when the triplexes were first rolled out they had to run them through the territory to get them to their designated locations. He said the exhaust sounds from the loco were extremely loud he could hear the drivers slamming down on the road bed. Him and his brother both worked for the railroad too and gave the lifespan of these for 5 years max.
Congrats on getting the Tri-Plex. The uniqueness of the whistle doe it for me!. Thanks for sharing the history of the Tri-Plex.
I have the Erie Triplex. It is fun to run. But do have a problem with it shutting off the smoke unit when going fast and blowing the whistle. JH
I wonder if that might be related to the circuit board or something. I bet it can be fixed. Rumor has it that the replacement parts are starting to arrive at MTH which would be great news!
If the Visionline 4014 Big Boy, it probably would’ve won, hands down. However, I personally believe that the Triplex won against the MTH Big Boy
Vision Line Big Boy is the reigning champ for sure!
The vision line big boy whistle and the Niagara and the nkp 765 have the best whistles and the strasbourg 90
According to the Erie steam locomotive book, the Triplex has a tractive effort of 180,000 lbs. Designed to pull a loaded coal train FIVE (5) miles long. Upon testing on the Erie the draft gear on the cars of the day could not handle the stress and separated from the locomotive. Then put into pusher service on Gulf Summit hill. She was the MOST POWERFUL steam locomotive ever built.
Amazing engine!
I like your passion for trains it's awesome. I do like the Virginia whistle better. I think the locomotive style look better at a medium speed, looks more like their speed, rather than super fast.
Two beautiful steam engines ❤🚂👍
Congrats nice pickup
Fun Facts, the Triplex's biggest issue was that it constantly broke couplers when attempting to pull trains of extreme length. The simple fact was, the shock of it moving forward against the weight of 300 loaded hoppers would snap the knuckes clean off if the engineer was too vigorous with the thottle. Even if the train could get moving, the slack between the cars was so much that they would often brake couplers in the middle of trains too. Walking 2 miles down the train every 20-40 minute to fix the coupler and then recouple the train would SUCK.
So what the railroads started doing was using them as pusher locomotives. Hooking one of these babies in the middle or back of a train to help shove over a hill. They were very sucessful at this role, but small Articulated locomoitives quickly regained favor over these monstrosities.
Also, the 10mph limit was more a issue of safety and problems keeping the locomotives fed, than the mechanical abilities of the locomotive. When pulling a train, from application of airbrakes in the locomotive to application in the caboose, it's said to have taken several minutes to reach full brake pressure. When pushing, the locomotive was under power and load more of the time than when pulling, so crews struggled to keep these beast fed with coal and water, hints they would have to go slow to stop them from becoming dead weight at the end of the train.
Finally, there exists plans for a Quadplex, and Pentaplex you can find online from the later 1940's-1950's. These used updates from the SP Cab Forward locomotives and Alco's Super Heating technology to theoretically create a much more reliable and powerful locomotive. The Quadplex would have been bigger than a Big Boy, featured a 4-8-8-8-8-2 Wheel arangement, and could pulled trains in excess of 7 miles long. (Supposedly) The Pentaplex was simular, but was a 4-6-6-6-6-6-4 Design to help deal with tight curves. Supposedly, both engines could have hit 35MPH, and required a 3 man crew to operate, with 2 fireman.
Wow! Thanks for all that info :)
4014 is the winner. Make it a rule that the 4014 whistle has to be included in every RBP Trains video.
Haha! I feel like it almost is at this point
Hello good Friend Chris, What a beautiful locomotives to see driving, And they both have a nice steam whistle, The big Boy is a fuller sound with an echo I once saw the Big Boy driving in the border area between the USA and Canada, What a power this Machine exuded,I enjoy your job almost every night, Kind regards from Henk Belgium Border❤😀😉
Thank you Henk!
Love the trains my friend. Keep being awesome. Very cool train it looks amazing
Personally I would get the MTH Pennsy Q2 duplex next.
Actually the rear had a steam stack, no smoke. Where are your end of train cabooses? Fun review.